[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 129 (Thursday, September 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            SPECIAL OLYMPICS

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                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 1998

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Special 
Olympics Incorporated and to the extraordinary vision of its founder, 
Eunice Kennedy Shriver on the occasion of this wonderful organization's 
30th anniversary. Begun as a day camp program in the city of Rockville, 
Maryland, which I am proud to represent, today, Special Olympic 
athletes compete throughout the United States and in 150 countries 
around the world.
  ``Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.'' 
This is the Special Olympics Oath. Since its inception, the Special 
Olympics have allowed athletes with special needs to train and compete 
year-round in a variety of Olympic-type sports. Individuals with mental 
retardation have the opportunity to develop physical fitness, 
demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of 
gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special 
Olympics athletes and the community.
  The Special Olympics of Maryland is holding its third annual Athlete 
Congress, composed entirely of Special Olympics athletes from Maryland. 
Montgomery County is represented by Tony Gorczyca and Carla Shipp. 
Kelli Smith is also an alternate delegate from Montgomery County.
  The unofficial theme of the congress is ``Look how far our athletes 
have come in 30 years.'' One example of how far the Special Olympics 
has come is that they can now govern themselves through the Athlete 
Congress. The third annual Congress will be attended by people from all 
over the world. This year's Congress will look at expanding the Athlete 
Congress to include the representatives from all 50 states and 150 
foreign countries.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Special Olympics Incorporated for 30 
years of dedicated service to our community. It is a proud moment for 
me to pay tribute to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, whose vision and 
commitment created the Special Olympics, and to the winning combination 
of staff, volunteers, and athletes of the Special Olympics who have 
devoted their time and energies to searching for the true potential in 
every person.

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