[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 94 (Friday, July 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1339]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATING LAKEWOOD ON SPORTS ILLUSTRATED AWARD

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                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 9, 2004

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise proudly today to 
congratulate the city of Lakewood for being named Sports Illustrated 
magazine's ``Sportstown'' for the State of California. This prestigious 
award recognizes the city in California with the best community sports 
programs. And since California is Sports Illustrated's No. I state, 
that means Lakewood is the number one sports town in the entire 
country. Sports and outdoor living are part of the fabric of life in 
this wonderful city, which I represent, in the 39th District of 
California.
  Every year, Mr. Speaker, more than 13,000 Lakewood citizens 
participate in sports leagues or volunteer as coaches or referees. Kids 
of all ages in Lakewood play sports in one of the many city-sponsored 
leagues. The city's leagues are free of charge so all kids in the city 
can participate, and learn the values of teamwork and sportsmanship 
while they are having fun and making friends. The grownups in Lakewood 
also join in adult basketball, softball, tennis and volleyball leagues.
  And if you live in Lakewood and sports leagues aren't your cup of tea 
you can go to one of the 10 public parks, two public swimming pools, or 
two public Community Centers and get some exercise or just have a good 
time.
  This prestigious award recognizing Lakewood's community sports 
programs comes during the same year that Lakewood is celebrating its 
50th anniversary.
  So, to the people of the City of Lakewood I say, ``Congratulations 
for being the best sports city in America, and Happy 50th 
Anniversary!''

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