[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 63 (Monday, May 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRI-CITY SPECIAL OLYMPICS

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 18, 1998

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that the Twenty-
First Annual Tri-City Special Olympics Track and Field meet was held on 
Saturday, May 16, 1998, at the Central High School football field in 
East Chicago, Indiana. Approximately 350 children from East Chicago, 
Hammond, and Whiting participated in the track and field meet, which 
has become one of the most outstanding events of the year in the Tri-
City area.
  Saturday's ceremonies began with the traditional passing of the 
torch. Adam Stiles of Hammond carried the Olympic torch into the 
stadium and past the reviewing stand, where he then passed it to Denise 
Pickford of the Lake County Association for the Retarded (LCAR), who 
relayed the torch to Jerrid Orange of East Chicago, the anchor runner 
responsible for lighting the Olympic flame. All three runners returned 
to their groups for the ceremonies, which included the posting of the 
colors near the American Legion Posts, the singing of The National 
Anthem to the accompaniment of the Central High School marching band, 
and the recitation of the Special Olympic Oath before each event, which 
was led by Rita Jurik of LCAR. This year's oath is ``Let Me Win, but if 
I Cannot Win, Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt.''
  The Special Olympics ended with the release of balloons out of the 
stadium and the distribution of awards to all of the participants. All 
Special Olympians received an award because the courage to strive and 
dare is tantamount to winning over adversity.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in congratulating all of the participants in the Tri-City Special 
Olympics for their determination and will to succeed. Also, I would 
like to commend all of those involved in making the Special Olympics a 
success. Their hard work and dedication helped to create a sense of 
pride and accomplishment in all of the children who participated in the 
event.

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