[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 3, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNITION OF THE COMMITMENT OF MR. WILLIAM C. ``BILLY'' SULLIVAN TO 
                            YOUTH ATHLETICS

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 1999

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 
lifelong commitment to youth athletics in Western Massachusetts of Mr. 
William C. ``Billy'' Sullivan. For the past fifty years, Billy Sullivan 
has been a fixture on the sidelines of playing fields throughout the 
Greater Springfield area. As a football, basketball, and baseball 
player, Billy displayed an unmatchable drive to succeed. his dedication 
to fair play and high quality athletics has been evident since he was a 
young man, and has continued to this day.
  Billy Sullivan's dedication to athletics as a coach, manager, and 
organizer is unparalleled. He has coached local youth teams for well 
over thirty years, including a stint as manager of the Sacred Heart 
Semi-pro baseball team. He has been a sitting member on the Catholic 
Basketball League Board of Directors, the Springfield Pee Wee Baseball 
Leagues Board of Directors, the Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off 
Committee, and the Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Trustees. He has 
been Chairman of John L. Sullivan Day at Pynchon Park, the NCAA 
Division II Elite 8 Basketball Championships, the Springfield Civic 
Basketball Committee, and the Springfield Peach Basket Festival 
Committee. His public service resume includes time as a Member of the 
Massachusetts General Court, City Clerk of the City of Springfield, and 
Mayor of the City of Springfield.
  Billy Sullivan's commitment to youth athletics will be on display on 
the weekend of March 26-28, 1999. Over 1,500 children, ages 7-17, will 
descent upon Western Massachusetts to participate in the 40th annual 
New England Catholic Youth Organization Basketball Tournament. Proceeds 
generated by the tournament will be donated to Brightside for Families 
and Children in care of the Vinny Del Negro Endowment Fund. Billy 
Sullivan and Vinny Del Negro are the co-chairman for this popular 
event.
  Mr. Speaker, allow me to pay tribute to the service, commitment, and 
character of Mr. William C. Sullivan. He has proved himself to be an 
indispensable member of his community, as a leader, an organizer, and 
an advocate of youth athletics in Western Massachusetts.

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