Athletes and volunteers around the world will pay tribute Saturday to the

Athletes and volunteers around the world will pay tribute Saturday to the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the presidential sister who founded the Special Olympics, by participating in events honoring her legacy as a champion of the mentally disabled.

The more than 100 events planned in locations from Florida to Ireland include various dedications, clinics and competitions, said her son, Timothy Shriver, who is also the Special Olympic Chairman and CEO.

Among those who are taking part in the first planned Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day is figurer skater Michelle Kwan. The nine-time U.S. champion and winner of two Olympic medals is slated to conduct an ice skating clinic for Special Olympics athletes in Everett, Mass. at the Allied Veteran’s Memorial Rink.

“I think it’s important to continue the work,” said Kwan, who is attending the Fletcher School, the graduate school for international affairs at Tufts University in Medford, Mass. “It’s the connections that brings the community together and brings more awareness while using sports to break down barriers.”

Shriver died in August 2009 at age 88 after suffering a series of strokes.