[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 11 (Monday, January 29, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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   COMMENDING THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES, COACHES, AND SUPPORTERS

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to commend the Idahoans 
who will participate in the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games in 
Anchorage, Alaska, this March 4th through 11th. The Special Olympics 
World Games is an event of Special Olympics, Inc. It is an 
international competition offered once every two years in Olympic 
tradition, alternating winter and summer games.
  Chris Fonk of Burley and Wendy Newsom of Boise will compete in Alpine 
skiing. Eric Dille of Burley will be the Alpine skiing alternate. Chad 
Moe and Lacy Cummings, both of Lewiston, will compete in Nordic skiing. 
Janet Bush of Mountain Home and Jeff Frost of Pocatello will be the 
Nordic skiing alternates. April Empey of Blackfoot, Chris Blair of 
Burley and Dennis Knifong of Boise will compete in snowshoeing.
  Snowshoe coach, Terry Kinkead of Burley, and Nordic coach, Manny 
Sheibany of Moscow, will also take part in the 2001 World Winter Games. 
The efforts of Terry, Manny, and so many other coaches, volunteers, and 
supporters has helped the Idaho Special Olympics program offer the 
opportunity to benefit through sports training and competition to 
thousands of people with mental retardation.
  In turn, every Special Olympics competition leaves its spectators 
with a better understanding of people who have mental retardation. 
Through their spirited participation, we learn that these athletes 
appreciate challenges and benefit greatly from encouragement. We are 
shown that excellence is a matter of passion and determination. Most 
important, we are made to realize that the emotional and spiritual 
health of people with special needs is largely a reflection of the 
respect and acceptance they receive in their community at large.
  I am very proud of these Idaho athletes, their coaches, and their 
supporters. Special Olympics enlighten us, and then leave our souls 
soaring.

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