[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 96 (Friday, July 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1295]]
 HONORING THE SELECTION OF A.J. BENSEN FOR THE JUNIOR OLYMPIC ARCHERY 
                                  TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN E. SWEENEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 20, 2000

  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend a young man on an 
exemplary achievement. Allastair John Bensen, known to his friends and 
family as A.J., was selected as a member of the 2000 Junior Olympic 
Team for Archery. This honor comes after many years of practice and 
dedication.
  A.J. began shooting for fun with his father, John, when he was five 
years old. As his skills improved, they began competing in the Capital 
Land Bowhunters 3-D Shoots as well as other archery competitions 
throughout the Capital Region, the Hudson Valley, the Adirondacks and 
the Catskills. Over the years, A.J. has won a number of trophies, 
medals and several plaques, including more than fifteen first place 
finishes. In 1999, A.J. and his father placed second in the father-son 
category of the DARE shoot, held in Middleburgh, NY. This spring A.J. 
participated in the Triple Crown, an event where participants compete 
in three separate shoots. Overall, A.J. placed higher than any other 
competitor and secured the Triple Crown Trophy. For A.J., placing first 
at the regions paramount archery event transformed a weekend hobby into 
an opportunity to compete on the national level.
  A.J. was selected to compete in the United States Junior Olympics and 
National Association of Police Athletic League Youth Festival held in 
Detroit, Michigan from July 18-24, 2000. The regional team of archers 
is sponsored by the Albany Police Departments Police Athletic League 
program. Under the coaching and direction of Officer Jim Teller, the 
team has prepared rigorously for this nationally acclaimed event. There 
young people should be commended for their dedication and achievement.
  A.J. and his parents, John and Jeanne Bensen, reside in Greenville, 
New York, within the 22nd Congressional District. In addition to his 
archery accomplishment, A.J. is a first class Boy Scout, a Black Belt 
in Budokai (traditional Japanese) Karate and an honor student at 
Greenville Central Middle School. A.J. is twelve years old and is an 
energetic and motivated young man whose efforts deserve recognition.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I congratulate A.J. Bensen 
on his selection to the Junior Olympic Archery Team. I hope my 
colleagues will join me as I commend this achievement and wish A.J. the 
very best of luck in all his future endeavors.

                          ____________________