[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 50 (Wednesday, April 29, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               HONORING THE CONNECTICUT OLYMPIC ATHLETES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BARBARA B. KENNELLY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 29, 1998

  Mrs. KENNELLY of Connectiicut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express 
my congratulations for the achievements of five world-class athletes 
from Connecticut. I am impressed with the remarkable showing of 
Connecticut's athletes in the 1998 Olympic Games. It is an 
accomplishment for such a small state to be home to five such gifted 
competitors. These young people embody not only incredible talent, but 
also a strong sense of sportsmanship. Connecticut is home to Sue Merz 
and Gretchen Ulion of the Women's Hockey Team, Beth Calcaterra-McMahon 
of the Luge Team, Chip Knight, an Alpine Skier, and Stacy Blumer, a 
Freestyle Skier. All five of these athletes are incredibly gifted and 
should be recognized and applauded.
  The efforts of Olympic and Paralympic teams is awe-inspiring. The 
athletes symbolize the motto of the Olympic games: ``swifter, higher, 
stronger.'' They are the strongest and the fastest. They are the best 
in the world. Olympians are leaders and role-models who play for the 
love of their sport. All athletes who have the opportunity to 
participate in the Olympics has proved themselves both dedicated and 
successful. These athletes should be commended for their commitment to 
enhance and develop their abilities. Their training is rigorous and the 
choice to pursue an Olympic medal is praiseworthy.
  I would like to thank these athletes for proving themselves such 
honorable ambassadors of the United States. Their sportsmanship and 
dedication is unyielding. I am proud to stand and congratulate not only 
the five athletes from Connecticut but every member of both the 1998 
USA Olympic and Paralympic teams.

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