Eunice Kennedy Shriver hospitalized in Boston

BOSTON, Nov 25 (Reuters) Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of assassinated President John F. Kennedy and a tireless champion of the rights of the mentally retarded, is being treated for an undetermined illness at a Boston hospital and is in fair condition, a spokeswoman said.

Shriver, 86, was admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital on November 18, said hospital spokeswoman Emily Parker, who declined to give any details about Shriver's illness.

According to media reports, Shriver had suffered a series of strokes this summer.

Shriver, the sister of Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy and mother-in-law of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, founded the Special Olympics, which is dedicated to the physical fitness of those with mental retardation.

Her advocacy of the rights of the retarded was largely influenced by the challenges faced by her older sister, Rosemary, who was mentally impaired.

Two days before she was hospitalized, Shriver was honored for her work with the mentally retarded, at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston.

REUTERS SZ VC0855