[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2358-E2359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING COACH JOHN THOMPSON AND THE JOHN THOMPSON FOUNDATION CLASSIC

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2001

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the John 
Thompson Foundation Challenge Basketball Classic on Thursday, December 
20, 2001, at the MCI Center in Washington, DC In noting this 
significant occasion, I am particularly pleased to honor the 
outstanding contributions of Coach John Thompson, my colleague at 
Georgetown University, where I continue as a tenured professor of law, 
and I ask this House to honor Mr. Thompson as well today. John Thompson 
is a lifelong resident of Washington, DC, a nationally recognized and 
much honored coach and teacher, and the founder of the John Thompson 
Foundation. I would especially like to express my deepest appreciation 
for his leadership in providing scholarships to African American youth 
living in the District of Columbia to pursue higher education.
  Mr. Thompson has made many important contributions to lives of inner 
city youth residing in the nation's capital. Since the beginning of his 
career, John Thompson has used athletics to teach and promote the 
importance of discipline and education to young people who 
underachieve. This country needs many more sports heroes and teachers 
to follow John Thompson's extraordinary example.
  If our youth are to survive in this globally and technologically 
advanced society, it will require organizations and individuals to 
provide an array of educational opportunities that prepare them for 
success. Coach Thompson has proved his commitment to young people

[[Page E2359]]

for many years. We particularly applaud Coach Thompson and the John 
Thompson Foundation for their emphasis on the educational success of 
inner city youth. The Basketball Classic serves as an inspiration for 
those interested in expanding educational opportunities for the 
District's African American youth.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in saluting Coach John 
Thompson, the John Thompson Foundation, and all those associated with 
the John Thompson Foundation, whose dedicated and creative energy make 
a significant impact on the progress and the lives of African American 
youth.

                          ____________________