[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 139 (Friday, September 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1749]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO BOBBY MORAVEC

                                 ______


                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 8, 1995
  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today and 
call your attention to Bobby Moravec of Calumet Township, IN. Bobby's 
story serves as an inspiration to residents of Indiana's First 
Congressional District, as well as all Americans. This year, Bobby, who 
has Down's Syndrome, competed in the Special Olympic World Games 
against over 700 athletes from 143 countries around the world. Bobby 
succeeded in winning a bronze medal for the shot put and a fifth place 
ribbon for the softball throw. Bobby also placed sixth in the 50-meter 
race.
  Bobby, a student at Merrillville High School, was nominated for the 
World Games, the largest sporting event in the world, by Laura Smith, 
treasurer for the Special Olympics group sponsored by the Northwest 
Indiana Special Education Co-op in Crown Point, IN. Because Bobby had 
won a gold medal in last year's Indiana State games, he was then chosen 
to advance to the World Games as an athlete on the 10-member Indiana 
track and field team.
  Bobby has been active in the Regional Special Olympic games for 9 
years and the State Special Olympic games for 5 years. He has earned 
four gold, six silver and one bronze medal for events ranging from the 
50-meter race, the softball throw, basketball, the standing long jump, 
the shot put, and skiing.
  Bobby trains 3 days a week at Merrillville High School. His vigorous 
training schedule includes a day of weight lifting, walking and running 
around the track, and practicing the shot put and softball throw. 
According to Bobby's parents, Ed and Marge Moravec, his coach, Maxine 
Urbanczyk of Merrillville, IN, was there at each training session to 
prepare him for the World Games. Ed and Marge add that she gave him 
encouragement when he needed it and praise when he deserved it. They 
say that the Special Olympics needs more coaches like Maxine.
  When Bobby cannot be found in the training room, he may be 
participating in the other activities that he loves so much. Bobby may 
be fishing, playing on the Challenger softball and basketball team, or 
bowling. During football season, Bobby can be found at Andrean High 
School football games, where he has been the ball boy for the last 3 
years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other colleagues congratulate and 
commend Bobby for his hard work and dedication to succeed, not only in 
the Special Olympic World Games, but in his everyday life. In a world 
where success doesn't come easy, Bobby has proven to be an exception to 
the rule.


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