[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 29, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E782]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING ELIZABETH O'DONNELL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN J. LaFALCE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 1997

  Mr. LaFALCE. Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I had the distinct pleasure 
of meeting with Elizabeth O'Donnell, a constituent from Kenmore, NY, 
and one of three national winners of the Sporting Goods Manufacturing 
Association Heroes Award. The prestigious honor is bestowed upon 
outstanding individuals who have demonstrated a humanitarian spirit and 
have made a unique and lasting contribution to athletics.
  In 1976, Ms. O'Donnell founded the Skating Association for the Blind 
and Handicapped [SABAH]. Through Elizabeth's tireless efforts, 
thousands of blind, deaf, and physically and mentally challenged people 
in western New York have taken to the ice and learned to Skate. Indeed, 
SABAH currently has an enrollment of over 750 skaters a week, who are 
instructed by 30 volunteer teachers.
  The skating lessons culminate in the annual SABAH Ice Show, featuring 
Elizabeth's students. The show has grown from a presentation for about 
800 friends and supporters to a performance attracting crowds of more 
than 10,000.
  Through her teaching, Elizabeth has brought tremendous joy to 
thousands of participants, and through them, tens of thousands of 
family members and friends. Because of her commitment, Elizabeth was 
recognized by President Bush as one of the Nation's 580 ``points of 
light'' for attacking social problems through volunteer community 
service.
  As a fellow resident of Kenmore, NY, I am proud to have among my 
neighbors Elizabeth O'Donnell. She is truly an inspiration to all of 
us. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. 
O'Donnell on receiving this well-deserved award, and thanking her for 
her dedication to improving the lives of thousands of others.

                          ____________________