[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 24 (Monday, February 10, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S2116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of 
Grants, NM, and the 20th Annual Mount Taylor Winter Quadrathlon. ``The 
Ultimate Challenge'' is a great program that encourages tourism and 
health in New Mexico.
  I commend the people of Grants and Cibola County for their initiative 
to promote tourism in New Mexico through conducting the world-renowned 
Mount Taylor Winter Quadrathlon. ``The Ultimate Challenge'' is an 
innovative program which has adapted the traditional Triathlon to the 
varying terrain of Grants and the surrounding area. Instead of being a 
traditional Triathlon, which includes biking, running, and swimming, 
contestants have the opportunity to bike, run, ski and snow-shoe.
  The Quadrathlon begins in Grants at 6,500 feet and continues all the 
way up Mount Taylor to an elevation of 11,301 feet, and concludes with 
a return trek to Grants. This multi-sport event allows those in the 
race to see the bountiful beauties of New Mexico, from our pristine 
deserts to our snow-covered mountains.
  The race, which starts out with a 13-mile bike ride, begins in the 
desert; as the competition continues up Mount Taylor, the athletes are 
able to see 100 miles from horizon to horizon on a clear day and are 
given the opportunity to appreciate why New Mexico is indeed the Land 
of Enchantment.
  I applaud Grants for being innovative in not only promoting tourism, 
but also by encouraging healthy lifestyles throughout their community 
and the world. The Quadrathlon, which solicits participants from New 
Mexico and across the globe, has improved the lives of many New 
Mexicans by giving them healthy goals for which to strive.
  Grants has fostered a world renowned event by promoting the 
Quadrathlon for the past 20 years. I am proud to recognize Grants and 
the surrounding community for continually supporting such a beneficial 
event. On behalf of the Senate and the State of New Mexico, I thank 
these special New Mexicans for making a difference in our 
lives.

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