[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 98 (Friday, June 28, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S7327]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SALUTING THE MICHIGAN PARTICIPANTS IN THE 1996 SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, every 4 years, for 2 weeks the 
collective attention of the world falls upon those exceptional men and 
women who possess the drive, ability, and character to compete as 
Olympians. From July 19 to August 4, 1996, the centennial anniversary 
of the Modern Olympic Games will be held in Atlanta, GA. On this 
occasion, America's greatest athletes will face their counterparts from 
197 countries.
  All of our Nation's citizens have a vested personal interest, and 
deservedly so, in the accomplishments of our athletes and coaches. 
However, it is the families, friends, and neighbors of these 
individuals who are especially qualified in their pride. Olympic talent 
cannot be attained overnight, it takes years to hone and develop; 
undoubtedly an impossibility without the support and encouragement 
provided by local communities.
  At least 30 individuals with distinct ties to my State of Michigan 
will take part in the upcoming centennial Games. Whether native born 
and raised, to attend school, to train, or to coach, they all share 
some sort of affiliation to the Great Lakes State. While the following 
men and women will participate in the Olympics first and foremost as 
Americans, I would like to take a moment to recognize them also as 
Michiganians:
  Bob Allshouse, Birmingham, team leader, table tennis.
  Frankie Andreu, Dearborn, men's road, cycling.
  Thomas Carlton Bruner, Ann Arbor, 1,500m free, swimming.
  Pam Bustin, Haslett, defender, field hockey.
  David DeGraaf, Lansing, circle runner, team handball.
  Tom Dolan, Ann Arbor, 400m free, 200m, 400m IM, swimming.
  Greg Giovanazzi, Ann Arbor, assistant coach, volleyball.
  Charlie Greene, East Lansing, assistant team leader, track and field.
  Grant Hill, Detroit, forward, basketball.
  Mora Kanim, Ann Arbor, assistant coach, volleyball.
  Al Kastl, Mount Clemens, team leader, Greco-Roman wrestling.
  Mike King, Grand Rapids, head coach, archery.
  Charles Karch'' Kiraly, Jackson, beach volleyball.
  Tom Malchow, Ann Arbor, 200m fly, swimming.
  Ann Marsh, Royal Oak, women's foil, Fencing.
  Floyd Mayweather, Grand Rapids, featherweight, boxing.
  Al Mitchell, Marquette, head coach, boxing.
  Eric Namesnik, Ann Arbor, 400m IM, swimming.
  Connie Paraskevin-Young, Detroit, women's track, cycling.
  Suzanne Paxton, East Lansing, women's foil, fencing.
  Jeffrey Pfaendtner, Detroit, men's lightweight four, rowing.
  John Piersma, Ann Arbor, 200m, 400m free, 800m FR, swimming.
  Annette Salmeen, Ann Arbor, 200m Fly, 800m FR, swimming.
  Kent Steffes, Ann Arbor, beach volleyball.
  Todd Sweeris, Grand Rapids, men's doubles, table tennis.
  Sheila Taormina, Livonia, 800m FR, swimming.
  Kirk Trost, Ann Arbor, assistant coach, wrestling.
  Jon Urbanchek, Ann Arbor, assistant coach, swimming.
  MaliVai Washington, Ann Arbor, men's doubles, tennis.
  Eric Wunderlich, Ann Arbor, 200m breast, swimming.
  The founder of the modern Olympic games, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, 
is credited with having written the Olympic Creed, which is as follows: 
``The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to 
take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph 
but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to 
have fought well.''
  It is inevitable that next month in Atlanta records will be broken, 
heroes will be born, and Olympic legends will be created. However, 
before the first event gets underway and the medal counts begin, each 
and every athlete and coach deserves our respect and admiration. For in 
the spirit of the Olympic Creed, the dedication to undergo the years of 
intense training and preparation necessary to become an Olympian, is a 
significant victory in itself.
  To be chosen to represent one's country, and State, is an awesome 
responsibility; and I have full faith and confidence our athletes and 
coaches will perform with distinction. I salute these extraordinary men 
and women for their achievements thus far, and look forward to news of 
even greater successes on their part in the days ahead.

                          ____________________