[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 110 (Monday, July 10, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9642-S9643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     SALUTE TO THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, now that the Special Olympics World 
Games have come to a close, I rise to again thank those who made this 
remarkable event possible. As my colleagues know, these games were held 
July 1-9 in New Haven, CT. This tremendous competition brought the 
world to Connecticut, and I want to take this opportunity to 
acknowledge some of the individuals who made it possible.
  Were it not for the dreams and vision of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the 
Special Olympics would not exist. This outstanding organization has 
flourished since she launched it, and it has left an extraordinary mark 
on the athletes, their families, their coaches and friends. I applaud 
Eunice, her husband, Sarge Shriver, and all the members of their family 
who have given so much to the Special Olympics throughout the years.
  In New Haven, we were fortunate to have a member of the Shriver 
family at the helm of the 1995 World Games. I congratulate Tim Shriver 
on a job well done. The success of these games is due in large part to 
his hard work, dedication and leadership. I know Tim would agree, 
however, that this great success would not have been possible without 
the help and support of Chairman Lowell Weicker, the Special Olympics 
staff, the hundreds of volunteers and the cooperation and support of 
the New Haven community. I thank Mayor 

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John Destefano and all the residents of New Haven for contributing in 
so many ways to this important event.
  Cities and towns across Connecticut were fortunate to serve as host 
communities for delegations from each of the participating countries. 
This host program enabled families throughout the state to open their 
homes and their hearts to our visitors from abroad. This program proved 
invaluable for the hosts and the guests as cultures were commingled, 
traditions were shared and lifelong friendships were forged. I thank 
each of the communities and families that offered their hospitality to 
the world.
  As with any event of this scale, the Special Olympics required 
significant financial support. I am proud to commend the many companies 
in Connecticut and throughout the country that donated hours of work 
and millions of dollars as corporate sponsors of these World Games.
  Most importantly though, I want to recognize the athletes who 
competed in the Special Olympics. That is what these games are all 
about. From bowling to bocce, soccer to tennis, aquatics to equestrian 
sports, athletes from across the world came together to demonstrate 
their strength, dedication and skill. The athletic abilities of these 
individuals are tremendous, and their ability to overcome obstacles to 
make it to New Haven is even more awesome.
  Indeed it is inspiring to see what each of these individuals has 
accomplished. It is the athletes, friends, families and the coaches who 
dedicated themselves to this competition who deserve our highest 
commendation. Their enthusiasm and spirit was infectious, and we 
sincerely thank them for sharing their talent with us during these 
Olympic Games.
  All the athletes came together during the opening ceremonies, one of 
the most memorable parts of these games. I will always remember the 
proud contingents of athletes from throughout the world entering the 
Yale Bowl to open the Olympics. They were greeted by the President of 
the United States and leaders of countries from El Salvador to Botswana 
and beyond. This spectacular event signaled the start of the World 
Games and kicked off a week of serious athletic competition and fun.
  The opening ceremonies also launched a week-long demonstration of the 
ability of the human spirit to soar. There are members of every 
community who live each day with mental retardation and disabilities. 
We stopped this week to hear them say: ``Watch us. We can do great 
things. We can bring you together and show you our strengths.''
  It is a lesson that we are fortunate to have learned. It is a message 
we should hear loud and clear and one that we should continue to heed 
in all that we do. In closing, I urge each of you to remember the 
Special Olympics athletes' oath as you confront the challenges in your 
life: Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the 
attempt.


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