[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MR. RAFER JOHNSON

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                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Rafer 
Johnson, who is being honored by the Namaste Interfaith Center.
  The Namaste Award was created to honor those individuals who have 
contributed to improving the human condition and uplifting the human 
spirit. I cannot think of an individual more deserving of this 
recognition than Rafer Johnson.
  Throughout his life, Rafer's motto has been ``to be the best that you 
can be.'' In 1960, he won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 
Olympic games in Rome. Building on that success, he has served as the 
president of the board of directors of the California Special Olympics 
for almost 10 years and is currently the chairman of the board of 
governors. Rafer is also the national head coach for Special Olympics 
International, which is headquartered in Washington, DC. He works as 
sports announcer, actor, and commercial and public spokesperson, and 
serves on a variety of special boards and committees for community 
service organizations.
  However, I think it is Rafer's compassion and dedication to aspiring 
young athletes that is his greatest contribution to our community. 
Senator Robert Kennedy once said, ``Every time a man stands up for an 
ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against 
injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope . . . and crossing each 
other from a million different centers of energy and daring those 
ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of 
oppression.'' For three decades, Rafer has been working with mentally 
and physically handicapped children and adults. He helped to start the 
California Special Olympics and has played a vital role in ensuring its 
success. As a program which began with only a few participants 
competing in two sports, it has evolved to include thousands of 
competitors in 20 sports. This event has helped assuage the prejudice 
faced by disabled individuals throughout our community.
  Rafer inspires in others the courage to pursue their dreams, and is a 
living example of how one individual can positively influence the lives 
of hundreds. Though a world renowed athlete and champion, Rafer Johnson 
has shown us that winning isn't everything; rather, the important thing 
is the way in which you choose to live your life and how you can 
positively impact the lives of others.
  Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring 
Rafer Johnson. He is truly a role model for our community.

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