Whereas the people of Canada opened their hearts and their home to the athletes of the world;
Whereas the Olympics foster healthy competition and interaction among nations;
Whereas these games were not without moments of tribulation and tragedy, but the courage and resolve of the athletes to continue was inspirational;
Whereas the United States won a record 37 medals, 9 gold, 15 silver, and 13 bronze;
Whereas the United States won the overall medal count for the first time since 1932, the highest medal total by any one nation in the history of the Winter Olympics;
Whereas the United States men’s and women’s silver medal hockey teams excited and inspired the games with their world class play;
Whereas Apolo Anton Ohno won his seventh and eighth medals to become the most decorated United States Winter Olympian of all time;
Whereas the United States earned medals in Nordic Combined events for the first time in history, took the gold in men’s figure skating, and won a gold medal in bobsledding for the first time since 1948;
Whereas United States teams and individual athletes should be honored for their contributions to these monumental achievements;
Whereas some athletes must overcome great personal adversity to realize their Olympic dreams;
Whereas the strong performances by United States Olympic athletes inspire children across the Nation to engage in physical fitness, work hard, and set high personal goals;
Whereas the dedication and sacrifice of the families, coaches, and communities associated with Olympic athletes should also be recognized; and
Whereas the Olympic torch has been extinguished in Vancouver, but the flame of camaraderie burns on in the hearts and minds of the world community: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives—
(1)congratulates the City of Vancouver, Team USA, and the athletes of the world for an outstanding and inspiring 2010 Winter Olympics; and
(2)wishes participants in the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games success in their athletic endeavors.
Lorraine C. Miller,Clerk.