[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   DeLAURO HONORS 1995 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES' VOLUNTEERS AND 
                                SPONSORS

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 28, 1995
  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, in 2 short weeks the world will turn its 
eyes to New Haven, CT, where the 1995 Special Olympics World Games will 
be held. The games will showcase the talent and spirit of mentally 
retarded athletes from around the world.
  The 1995 games will be the world's largest sporting event this year. 
Seven thousand athletes from 140 countries, 1,500 coaches, and 500,000 
spectators are expected to attend. These figures represent significant 
growth for the Special Olympics since the first games were held in 
1969.
  The 1995 games have been made possible through the hard work and 
dedication of countless individuals, municipalities, private 
organizations, and businesses. There has been tremendous enthusiasm and 
support generated from all levels throughout the region. Today I would 
like to specifically recognize the contributions of the games' 
volunteers and sponsors, who have given so much to this worthy cause.
  Forty-five thousand volunteers, the largest volunteer force ever 
assembled in the Northeast, are taking part in the games. I salute the 
residents of south central Connecticut and the entire State, for their 
commitment and spirit. These volunteers have been working fast and 
furiously to ensure that the athletes enjoy nine wonderful days of 
competition, friendship, and learning. All of the volunteers have 
participated in training sessions about how to work well with people 
with mental retardation and to address the vast cultural differences of 
the many visitors.
  The games are fortunate to enjoy the support of many corporate 
sponsors. Among the major private contributors are McDonald's Corp., 
Coca-Cola Co., Eastman Kodak Co., IBM Corp., Adidas, General Motors 
Corp.'s GMC Truck, and M&M Mars. These corporations have generously 
provided much of the financial support that is vital to ensuring that 
the games are a success.
  Last week the President, who is honorary chair of the Games, 
announced that he will attend the opening ceremony in New Haven on July 
1. His participation in this event is a tribute to the volunteers and 
the sponsors who through their hard work and dedication have assured 
that the Special Olympics will be well-received both nationally and 
internationally.
  I ask my colleagues to join me today and salute the contributions of 
the thousands of volunteers and sponsors who, through their generosity, 
have made the games the success I know they will be. Their efforts will 
make the 1995 games a world class sporting event for these very special 
athletes to enjoy.


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