[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 141 (Tuesday, September 12, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             CONGRATULATING GUAM'S ATHLETES FOR EXCELLENCE

                                 ______


                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 1995
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, when Guam's Special Olympics athletes 
compete, there is only the thrill of victory; the agony came earlier. 
So it is with great honor that I announce to you and the rest of our 
colleagues, in my home district of Guam, we have many noteworthy 
athletes who have thrilled us all.
  In the recent Special Olympic Games held in the State of Connecticut, 
the people of Guam reached a new milestone. The island had more special 
athletes compete in this event than ever before. I now rise to pay 
tribute to these victorious athletes by placing their names in the 
Congressional Record.
  In bowling, our Team Guam hit strikes, as Marion Molinos and David 
Bascon took bronzes in the unified doubles and silvers in the unified 
team competition. The marks improved further as Rosaline Unpingco and 
George Gabriel took gold in unified doubles and silver as competitors 
in unified team. Finally, it was Vernamarie Quinata and Bernadette 
Colet who worked to a fourth place finish in women's doubles. In 
addition, Vernamarie also fought to sixth place in women's singles 
while Bernadette got the gold.
  On the athletic team, Kristopher San Nicolas threw for a silver in 
the softball throw and gained a bronze for the 100-meter race in 
walking. Edwin Bartolome won a bronze in the men's pentathlon. Patrick 
Blas was awarded the bronze in the 50-meter run and a ribbon in the 
shotput. Raymond Duenas walked his way to a bronze in the 15-meter walk 
and swam to a ribbon in the 25-meter freestyle. Melvin Muna was awarded 
ribbons for both the 25 and 50-meter freestyle in addition to a gold in 
the 25-meter backstroke. John Hammond got silver medals in the 25-meter 
freestyle and backstroke. James Francisco participated in the opening 
ceremonies but, due to a family emergency, could not compete in any 
athletic events.
  So, to all the coaches, Marianne Cepeda, Rick Vasquez, Rich Fisher, 
Patty Blas, Rose Cruz, Vickie Loughran, and Troy Lizama, I commend you 
for a job well done. To the head of the delegation, Karen Biggs and the 
executive director Carole Piercy, who showed the Guam family just how 
much they cared, I want you to know that you are also very special. 
Finally, I congratulate all of Guam's athletes who competed in the 
games. Although they did not all earn medals, they are all Guam's 
heroes.


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