[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 93 (Friday, June 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO THE LONG ISLAND LADIES OF THE COURT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 1997

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the 
women of the Long Island Ladies of the Court. Recently, this four woman 
basketball team from Nassau County participated in the U.S. National 
Senior Olympics in Tucson, AZ. I am pleased to announce that our Long 
Island team made up of women between 55 and 60 years of age, captured 
the Silver Medal at the games--a very strong showing in a competition 
where over 10,500 men and women at least 50 years old from 48 States 
participated in 20 sports. We are very proud of our seniors and their 
basketball abilities.
  I am a strong believer in sports, team participation and competition. 
I played basketball as a young girl growing up on Long Island and 
eventually played for Mineola High School. I experienced what recent 
studies have demonstrated that participating in team sports is 
essential for developing self-esteem and social skills in young women. 
Self-confidence grows with each successful lay-up, jump shot and slam 
dunk. And for seniors, exercise is a proven benefit--it slows down the 
aging process and helps people live longer and healthier lives. The 
Ladies of Long Island's excellent showing in the Senior Games clearly 
demonstrates that we can all benefit from team sports.
  Mr. Speaker, I join today with my fellow residents from Long Island 
in offering a hearty congratulations to the Long Island Ladies of the 
Court and all participants at the U.S. National Senior Games. Great job 
to all of you!

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