She left a legacy by leveling the playing field for people with special needs. Special Olympics Founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver died Tuesday at the age of 88. For the thousands she's touched in South Dakota, she won't soon be forgotten.

Hailing from a family of American legends, Eunice Kennedy Shriver could have done just about anything, but how she chose to spend her life has helped millions over the past four decades.

"Because of what she has built as a platform for us to continue on, the kids are going to reap more benefits down the road," Black Hills Special Olympics Chairman Jack Lynass said.

South Dakota Special Olympics officials say without Kennedy Shriver's groundwork, tens of thousands of people in KELOLAND would have missed the chance to compete at the same level as other athletes.

"It allows kids like my son, who love sports but would never have any kind of opportunity to play on a baseball or basketball or aquatics team, to be a part of the community and to feel that crowd cheering them on and to feel those sports skills that he loves so much," Black Hills Special Olympics Secretary Monica Burgess said.

Something that wouldn't have been possible without one woman's vision.

"She took it on and so she deserves the credit. Would someone have followed later and done similar? Maybe, but who knows if it could have ever have been so accomplished with such great results," Lynass said.

Results that will continue to change the lives of athletes with special needs and their families around the world and right here in KELOLAND.