[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 115 (Wednesday, September 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF WOMEN ATHLETES AT THE 2004 SUMMER 
                                OLYMPICS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2004

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the amazing 
achievements of the women athletes at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, 
Greece. In particular, I want to celebrate the success of the United 
States Women's Soccer Team, who made us proud by winning a gold medal 
at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, beating Brazil 2-1 in overtime, 
on August 26, 2004.
  These women have become some of the most famous athletic role models 
on earth. They have taught our children that if you work hard and you 
believe in yourself, you can accomplish anything. Indeed, these women 
are helping to fundamentally change perceptions about athletics. It is 
no surprise that our little girls look up to these strong, motivated 
women for inspiration. But to also see little boys wearing jerseys 
emblazoned with the names of their favorite women players is a 
wonderful sight.
  I would especially like to recognize Abby Wambach, who is from my 
district in Rochester, New York. When she scored the goal that secured 
the gold medal, nowhere in the world cheered louder than Rochester. In 
addition, every other woman on the Olympic soccer team also deserves 
our recognition and congratulations: Shannon Boxx, Brandi Chastain, Joy 
Fawcett, Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, Angela Hucles, Kristine Lilly, Kristin 
Luckenbill, Kate Markgraf, Heather Mitts, Heather O'Reilly, Cindy 
Parlow, Christie Rampone, Cat Reddick, Briana Scurry, Lindsay Tarpley, 
and Aly Wagner.
  As a testament to the power of these women, their fan appreciation 
tour, which kicks off in Rochester, on September 25, sold out all 
14,000 seats in just minutes. I have introduced a resolution in 
Congress, H. Res. 373, which supports the reestablishment of the 
Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA). Hopefully, some day the WUSA 
will return, to give these amazing female athletes the professional 
athletic opportunities in the United States they so deeply deserve.
  Thank you to all the women Olympic athletes for transforming the 
lives and attitudes of today's young women, and for those of 
generations to come. We all know that girls who compete in sports 
perform better in school, are physically healthier and have a stronger 
self-esteem. Our girls have learned that sweat is sexy, brawn is 
beautiful and a little dirt never hurt anyone. You have truly given us 
all a whole lot more to celebrate, work hard for and dream about.

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