[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 10 (Friday, February 8, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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         MINNESOTAN TO LEAD THE NATION INTO THE WINTER OLYMPICS

 Mr. DAYTON. Mr. President, as we all know, the 2002 Winter 
Olympics begin tonight in Salt Lake City. These games have taken on a 
special importance in our country this year in the wake of the 
September 11 terrorist attacks, and will be an important part of our 
Nation's healing process.
  That is why I am so proud that Minnesotan Stacey Liapis will help 
carry the flag that once flew at the World Trade Center into the 
Opening Ceremony of the Olympics.
  Stacey Liapis is a curling team member from Bemidji, who at the age 
of 27, is competing for the first time in the Winter Olympics. Before 
making it to Salt Lake City, Liapis finished eighth at the 1998 World 
Championships and came in fifth in 2001.
  Stacey took up curling in 1987 and has played most of her career with 
older sister Kari Erickson, the skip for the U.S. team. They were 
inspired by their parents, both of whom were recreational curlers.
  In honor of Stacey's many accomplishments and to mark her being 
chosen as one of the eight Olympic athletes to carry the ground zero 
flag into the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics, I am having a 
U.S. flag flown over our Nation's Capitol. The chosen athletes, one 
from each of the eight Winter Olympic sports, were selected by their 
teammates. I congratulate Stacey on being recognized by her teammates 
with this honor.
  Thank you, Stacey for your participation in this historic event. 
Tonight, you will make all Minnesotans and the entire Nation proud. 


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