[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 17 (Thursday, January 30, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S1806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN MEMORY OF CHRISTOPHER JAMES CANNING

 Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Christopher J. Canning, who died June 30, 2001, at the young age of 15.
  Chris was from Maroa, IL, and excelled as an athlete in sports such 
as football, basketball, and baseball. Chris also excelled in the 
martial arts, where he was a multi-state and national champion, an 
``AAU All American,'' and a member of the U.S. Elite team at the 
Olympic training center. Chris and his legacy as a martial artist will 
live on through the United States National AAU Taekwondo Chris Canning 
Award of Excellence, established in July 2002. This award is given to 
one athlete out of 14,000 at the U.S. National Championships.
  Chris was also an honor student who appreciated reading, math and 
music. Chris enjoyed playing classical piano, and also played the drums 
for his school. Chris liked to read books outside of what was required 
for school. He liked to be challenged in many different subject areas.
  Chris was drawn toward community and public service. Chris was also 
known to protect kids at school from the local bullies. He helped 
people less fortunate than himself by shoveling snow for the elderly 
without pay, collecting food and clothing for the homeless in Decatur 
on his own, and helping to deliver meals on wheels for those confined 
to home. He would always find ways to help others, and to find homes 
for abandoned animals through working at his grandparents' animal 
shelter. Looking to the future, he aspired to be in our Nation's 
Special Forces or to serve in the FBI.
  I also want to give special recognition to Chris's family who are 
still mourning his tragic loss. His father and mother, Art and Melissa 
Canning, his brother and sister, Robert and Elizabeth, and finally his 
grandparents Marla and Joe Powers.
  In short, Christopher J. Canning was a caring young man, a good 
citizen, an asset in his academic environment, and a nationally 
acclaimed athlete. Tragically, Chris's life was cut short.
  The memory of Chris Canning lives on, and today I pay tribute to a 
young man who had so much promise as an athlete, student, martial 
artist, community servant, and son. His example will always be an 
inspiration to those who follow in his footsteps.

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