[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 21 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE UTAHNS COMPETING IN THE 2006 WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM MATHESON

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2006

  Mr. MATHESON. Mr. Speaker, all Utahns have watched with pride and 
anticipation as the U.S. Olympic team began competing at the Torino 
Winter Olympic Games this month. I am especially proud of the Utah 
athletes on the team.
  They are Alpine skiers Steve Nyman, Ted Ligety, and Erik Schlopy; 
Nordic skiers Brett and Eric Camerota, Carl Swenson and Wendy Wagner; 
Ski jumper Anders Johnson; Freestyler Joe Pack; Bobsled members Shauna 
Rohbock, Steve Holcomb and Bill Schuffenhauer; and Luge team member 
Preston Griffall.
  Utah is home to a long and distinguished tradition of winter sports. 
Names like Alf Engen and Stein Erikson are two of the winter sports 
icons that have helped make Utah synonymous with skiing.
  When Utah welcomed the world to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, we 
showcased the greatest snow on earth and the finest hospitality. By 
building world-class winter sports venues, such as the Kearns Skating 
Oval and the Bear Hollow Bobsled and Luge track and Nordic ski jumps, 
Utah also became a vital link in our country's support and training 
system for young athletes.
  It has been said--and rightly so--that the Olympic Games are all 
about the athletes--about the gifted and dedicated men and women who 
display the drive, the courage and the integrity to represent America 
on the world athletic stage. With so much tension and trouble around 
the world today, it is heartening to see the best and the brightest 
from 80 nations coming together in peaceful competition, celebrating 
each other's culture and contribution to their sport.
  I would like to salute all the athletes, especially my fellow Utahns, 
who bring us this inspiring and heart-warming interval from the beauty 
of winter.

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