[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1096]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IRRELEVANT WEEK 26TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHRISTOPHER COX

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 13, 2001

  Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate an unusual 
community event that takes place in my district each year. ``Irrelevant 
Week,'' now being celebrated for the 26th year in a row, was the vision 
of former National Football League player Paul Salata.
  Founded on the premise of ``doing something nice for someone for no 
reason,'' Irrelevant Week has inspired generous acts that have made 
this popular event one of the most relevant altruistic programs held in 
Orange County. The honoree of the week is, by tradition, the person 
chosen last in the National Football League draft. Whether first or 
last in the NFL draft, Paul Salata knows that beyond pure talent, it is 
the character and drive of the player--even if the last one picked--
that will determine how successful he will be on the field. Proceeds 
from the week's events are donated to charities in Southern California, 
including this year's beneficiaries: the Orange County Youth Sports 
Foundation and Save Our Youth.
  This year's honoree is future Arizona Cardinal Tevita Ofahengaue. He 
was the 246th pick in the NFL draft this year. Born in Tonga and raised 
in Laie, Hawaii, he is a 6'2" 251-pound tight end from Brigham Young 
University.
  Tevita, along with his wife and four children, will undoubtedly enjoy 
celebrating his reign as ``Mr. Irrelevant'' during the week's 
festivities. On behalf of the United States Congress and the people of 
Orange County whom it is my privilege to represent, congratulations to 
Tevita, his family, Paul Salata, and everyone associated with 
Irrelevant Week XXVI.

                          ____________________