[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA OLYMPIANS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2006

  Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, the nation watched with pride 
and admiration as the United States Men's and Women's Olympic Curling 
teams competed at the XX Olympic Winter Games in Turin, Italy. I am 
proud to point out that both teams hail from Bemidji, Minnesota in the 
7th Congressional District.
  The city of Bemidji sent more athletes per capita to the 2006 Winter 
Olympics than any other town in America. The athletes on both Olympic 
Curling teams call the Bemidji Curling Club their home. One of the 
premier curling clubs in the United States, the Bemidji Curling Club 
has captured more than 50 state and national titles in its outstanding 
71-year history. The Club will also host the U.S. World Team Trials 
from March 4th through 12th. For curlers and curling fans Bemidji is 
the place to be.
  The sport of curling dates to 16th century Scotland where games were 
played during winter on frozen ponds, lochs and marshes. Curling's 
popularity spread during the 19th century to many nations in Europe, as 
well as to the United States, New Zealand, and Canada. It is now played 
in over 35 countries throughout the world.
  Both of the U.S. Olympic Curling teams from Bemidji faced tough 
competition from the very best teams the world has to offer. With the 
world watching they demonstrated their skills on one of sport's 
grandest stages and brought honor and praise to themselves and Members 
of the Women's team were Cassie Johnson, Jamie Johnson, Jessica 
Schultz, Maureen Brunt, Courtney George and Coach Neil Doese. The Men's 
team consisted of Pete Fenson, Shawn Rojeski, Joe Polo, John Shuster, 
Scott Baird and Coach Bob Fenson.
  Both teams exhibited their skill, their mastery of strategic play and 
the ability to precisely execute when the pressure was on. This 
combination of skill and determination helped the Men's team to bring 
home the Bronze Medal for the United States of America.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the great achievement of all these 
fine athletes. The commitment to excellence, sportsmanship and honor 
that they displayed while representing the United States will long be a 
source of pride for all Minnesotans, especially those who call Bemidji, 
Minnesota their home.

                          ____________________