Eunice Kennedy Shriver passed this morning in her Cape Cod home. I feel it appropriate to celebrate her life's work by taking a look at a Special Olympic athlete and his love of photography.

Matthew Drumright shot his first picture when he was 10, and has loved the art ever since. He took several photography classes in high school, and after graduating, entered an internship with Gomez Photography of Nashville, Tennessee.

This quote from Matthew appears on his profile on the Gomez Photo site:

"Some people don't think I'm a real photographer because I have Down syndrome. I like making people happy with my pictures and want to make a living and support myself with photography."

Also a Special Olympics athlete, Matthew's passion is sports photography. He shot the top photo on this page, and was the official photographer for healthy athletes at the 2009 World Winter Games in Idaho. More of his work can be seen on his Web site, complete with some awesome music I must say, or in the galleries of the Special Olympics site.

Good luck with everything Matthew. Your drive is an inspiration to all of us. And thank you Eunice for all your hard work over the years. The world applauds you!

(top photo by Matthew Drumright)

(bottom photo by Gomez Photography)