[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 27, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DEREK PARRA

  (Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of 
America's Olympic heroes, skater Derek Parra.
  Derek is from my district. He went to school with my son, Joe Baca, 
Jr., and I attended church with Derek's father, Gilbert Parra, at Saint 
Catherine's in Rialto. His dad and I play golf together, and we used to 
play softball on the same team.
  Derek unexpectedly broke the world record in the 5,000 meter speed 
skating race and won the silver medal. Derek later broke another world 
record in the 1,500 meter speed skating race. This record held, and 
Derek won the gold medal.
  Derek's road to the Olympics has not been easy. He and his wife 
Tiffany have struggled to make ends meet raising their baby girl, Mia 
Elizabeth, while Derek trained for the Olympics.
  As the first Mexican-American ever to win a medal in the winter 
Olympics, Derek expanded the dreams of millions of children. In a world 
that often tells our children, ``no, you can't,'' Derek Parra has shown 
that ``si, se puede,'' yes, you can compete. Through faith, 
determination, and hard work, Derek broke down barriers to become a 
beacon of hope for our children and children everywhere. Derek is truly 
a role model for others to follow.
  Derek made history and opened the world of possibility for Hispanic 
Americans. His dream said, ``dream big and don't be afraid.'' We are 
proud of you, Derek. You are our hero. God bless you.

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