[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 108 (Monday, July 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1543]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE D.C. REDWINGS YOUTH PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 21, 2003

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the D.C. Redwings Youth 
Program for its extraordinary contributions to this Community as well 
as to inner city children. In only five short years, the D.C. Redwings 
have produced many of the Nation's top young athletes in the realm of 
track and field while preparing these youths for a more successful, 
rewarding life.
  Although this program is primarily a sports-based organization, it 
also encourages youths to focus on education, community service and 
cultural awareness. Off the track, members are required to attend study 
hall and participate in various community outreach projects. The 
Redwings Program uses track and field as well as cross-country running 
as a vehicle to teach discipline, goal-setting and teamwork for youths, 
many of whom would be considered ``at risk.'' Furthermore, the team 
incorporates book clubs, SAT preparation courses and academic 
enrichment classes in order to develop well-rounded students and 
encourage further education.
  Since its founding, D.C. Redwings Youth Program has produced many 
junior Olympians, nationally ranked athletes, and All-American runners 
while fostering an invaluable sense of success and accomplishment in 
all aspects of their lives. An impressive thirty-eight athletes 
qualified and competed in the AAU Track and Field Junior Olympics this 
year alone. The team's success has generated numerous national titles 
and has turned this relatively small team into one with great promise. 
The talented athletes repeatedly surpass the expectations of both 
supporters and competitors.
  This season has yielded less than ideal circumstances due to both 
weather and security, but these conditions clearly illustrate the 
team's commitment and determination for the sport. After study hall, 
these youngsters would train in freezing temperatures, pouring rain and 
a foot of snow. Even during weeks of police-supervised practice and the 
hunt for D.C.'s serial sniper, when all other athletic and 
extracurricular activities were discontinued, the Redwings carried on 
with practice as usual. All throughout this ordeal, the team 
persistently demonstrated their passion, and their commitment set them 
apart from the rest.
  Mr. Speaker, the D.C. Redwing Youth Program has quickly established 
itself as one of the most respectable organizations for inner city 
children. Their track and field team as well as their cross country 
team command national respect for their talent and enthusiasm. 
Moreover, the Redwings remain the only independent youth track team in 
D.C., and we should be proud to have them represent our city. The 
organization's head coach and founder, Mr. Desmond L. Dunham, deserves 
our deepest thanks for his dedication to these athletes' future. It is 
my honor to recognize the Redwings for their unrelenting commitment in 
improving so many lives.

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