[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 105 (Monday, June 26, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S9017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CONGRATULATING THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY TEAM

  Mrs. KASSEBAUM. Mr. President, on Saturday South Africa defeated 
heavily favored New Zealand in the world rugby championship. I rise 
today to congratulate the South African rugby team, as well as the 
people of South Africa, on this historic victory.
  For years, because of its apartheid policies, South Africa has stood 
on the outside of international sports competitions. From the Olympics 
to the World Cup, South Africa--a country of intense sports fans--had 
become isolated and banned from many competitions. And more than most 
other sports, rugby had become closely associated with the former white 
government and its apartheid policies.
  After this history, the image of President Nelson Mandela--a man 
imprisoned for 27 years in his fight against apartheid--handing the 
World Cup trophy to the white captain of the rugby team is indeed a 
powerful symbol of the dramatic changes in South Africa. Throughout the 
country, whites and blacks alike celebrated the victory of the 
Springboks, the mascot of the national team.
  Mr. President, I join with the international community in 
congratulating the people of South Africa on winning the rugby World 
Cup. It has been a dramatic and historic time in South Africa. This 
victory, bringing together all South Africans, exemplifies the progress 
to date and the hope for the future of a great country.

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