[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 38 (Thursday, March 30, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE U.S. OLYMPIC CURLING TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 30, 2006

  Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the U.S. Olympic 
Curling Team for its outstanding success at the XX Winter Olympic Games 
in Turin, Italy.
  By defeating Great Britain 8-6, the men's team, which consists of 
Shawn Rojeski and John Shuster of Chisholm, Minnesota, Joe Polo of Cass 
Lake, as well as fellow Minnesotans Pete Fenson, Scott Baird and Coach 
Bob Fenson, won the first Olympic medal of any kind for a curling team 
from the United States.
  The women's team members, Courtney George of Duluth, along with 
Cassie Johnson, Jamie Johnson, Jessica Schultz, Maureen Brunt, and 
Coach Neil Doese, also demonstrated great skill, determination and 
mental toughness during the competition in Turin.
  Scottish immigrants introduced the sport of curling in North America, 
first to Canada in 1759 and then to America around 1832. Today, there 
are approximately 16,000 curlers who belong to 135 clubs in 32 states. 
Curling debuted as a medal sport at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, 
Japan. I know that the pursuit of excellence demonstrated by Team USA 
at the 2006 Olympic Games will inspire many people across the country 
to take up the sport.
  Through hard work and outstanding dedication, the team succeeded on 
the sports world's most prestigious stage. Above all, the sportsmanship 
the team members demonstrated during the competition embraced the true 
Olympic spirit.
  The curling team's bronze medal victory was truly a golden moment for 
the State of Minnesota and the entire nation. I know my colleagues in 
the House of Representatives join me in congratulating the U.S. Curling 
Team and in wishing them continued success.

                          ____________________