[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 121 (Tuesday, October 3, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S9695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                S.C. AWARDED PAN AM GAMES FOR THE BLIND

 Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I 
recognize Spartanburg, South Carolina and the South Carolina School for 
the Deaf and Blind as hosts of the 2001 Pan American Games for the 
Blind. This is not only a distinguished honor for Spartanburg and for 
the school, but also for our state and our nation. Three hundred blind 
and visually-impaired elite athletes from 22 countries will compete in 
the third Pan Am Games for the Blind May 29-June 3, 2001 in 
Spartanburg. It marks the first time that these Games have been held in 
the United States. Previous competitions took place in Buenos Aires and 
Mexico City.
  Athletes will compete in track and field events, swimming and goal 
ball, a team sport developed specifically for the blind. Two students 
at the S.C. School for the Deaf and Blind, Royal Mitchell and Sonya 
Bell, will represent the United States in track and field events.
  The International Blind Sports Association selected the S.C. School 
for the Deaf and Blind as the site for the 2001 Games because of its 
excellent facilities and the strong credentials of the athletic staff. 
Since its founding in 1849, the school has served South Carolina well 
and proven itself worthy of this latest distinction. I wish all the 
participants in the 2001 Pan American Games for the Blind much 
success.

                          ____________________