[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 51 (Wednesday, May 3, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING SOUTH ST. PAUL HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS' HOCKEY PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2006

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I 
rise today to congratulate the South St. Paul High School Girls' Hockey 
Program--the 2006 Minnesota State Class A Champions! With this win, 
South St. Paul finished the season 22-6-1.
  In an exciting a 3-2 overtime win, the Packers' won their fourth 
State title in five years. In fact, this year marks the Packers' eighth 
appearance at the State tournament, which is a record for the South St. 
Paul Girls' Hockey Program. I am confident that these young women will 
continue to reach for new challenges and break old records.
  As an alumna of South St. Paul High School, it is exciting to see how 
far women's athletics has come. These young women played and won their 
championship on the same ice that the men's National Hockey League 
plays. Young women today have greatly benefited from the landmark 
legislation that, among other provisions, ensures equality in athletics 
for female athletes--Title IX. Because of Title IX young women today 
have more opportunities--to practice, to play, to win championships--
than the women of earlier generations.
  Over the past 30 years, many doors have opened for women and girls in 
this country, and we must continue to ensure that our sisters are 
offered equal athletic opportunities at all levels of their abilities. 
As the mother of a young woman who has participated in athletics, I am 
proud to see that this law has enabled more young women to participate 
in the athletic activities that young men have enjoyed for so many 
years.
  Congratulations Packers! I join with the residents of South St. Paul 
in their celebration of your success and look forward to the 
celebration of future successes!

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