[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 108 (Thursday, June 29, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S9476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 WELCOMING THE SPECIAL OLYMPIC ATHLETES TO THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD 
                         GAMES IN NEW HAVEN, CT

  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, it is with great pride and 
anticipation that I join all of Connecticut in extending our warmest 
welcome to the athletes, families, coaches and friends of the 1995 
Special Olympics World Games. Right now, more than 6,700 athletes from 
every State in the Union, and from 125 nations around the world, are 
traveling to New Haven, CT, to compete in a world-class sporting event 
from July 1-9. These games constitute the largest sporting event in the 
world this year.
  Twenty-five years ago, Eunice Kennedy Shriver established the Special 
Olympics--an international sports organization for people with mental 
retardation. She envisioned bringing joy and pride, developed through 
competition, to those about whom the world had forgotten, and believed 
could not compete. We are thrilled to have the privilege of hosting an 
event that has been an inspiration to the world. It is impossible to 
watch these games, witness the tremendous skill and courage of these 
truly special athletes, and not be changed in some way.
  It is in that spirit that thousands of people have worked for more 
than a year to help make the dreams of these athletes a reality. I 
would like to commend the Shrivers, former Governor Weicker, the entire 
World Games Organizing Committee, the towns and families throughout 
Connecticut, and the thousands of volunteers who have so generously 
opened their hearts and homes to the athletes and their families.
  In a world where professional athletics has often become synonymous 
with multimillion-dollar contracts and endorsements, the Special 
Olympics remind us of what sport is truly about--the thrill of 
accomplishment and the satisfaction that comes from giving your all.
  The excitement and splendor of the Special Olympics extends beyond 
sports competition. The worlds of science, diplomacy, art, culture, and 
entertainment unite to honor the spirit of Special Olympics and 
achievements of people with mental retardation. There will be 
extraordinary events juxtaposing the drama of world-class sports with 
the power of courageous competitors achieving their personal best 
before the eyes of the world.
  The talent and dedication of these athletes, their love for their 
sport, and their extraordinary sportsmanship are an inspiration to us 
all.


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