[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 71 (Wednesday, June 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO JOSEPH D. PETERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 7, 2006

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to the 
late Joseph D. Peters, a sports pioneer who demonstrated leadership and 
commitment to extending the reach of sports as a positive force for 
social change. Peters was born on June 2, 1938 in Wilmington, Delaware 
and he passed away on January 9, 2006 at his home in New York City.
  His commitment to service began in 1962 when he joined the United 
States armed forces. He was a former director of the Southern Christian 
Leadership Conference (SCLC) Sports Project. As director he was 
responsible for many projects including The International Freedom Games 
track and field meet and the Martin Luther King All-Star basketball 
classic.
  Peters was inspired by the legendary baseball great Jackie Robinson, 
who in 1947 broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. This 
inspiration was very much reflected in his philosophy on sports. He 
viewed sports as much more than athletic competition; sports had a 
deeper purpose and he dedicated his life to making people realize that. 
He strongly believed that sports were capable of bringing people 
together and bridging the gaps that divided nations. He also knew how 
influential sports could be on the home front as well.
  Sports have provided economic opportunities and hopes for many 
disadvantaged but athletically gifted young people. For athletic 
competition whether as amateurs or professionals has provided a way to 
move forward when all else around may have seemed to be standing still.
  Peters was diagnosed with stomach cancer after the disaster of 
Hurricane Katrina, yet he continued working to organize a special 
benefit basketball game in which the Argentine and French Olympic gold 
and silver medal winners would challenge NBA stars for the benefit of 
the victims. This was another extension of his sports philosophy.
  Peters also attempted to organize a U.S.-Cuban baseball game aimed at 
bringing the two countries together by engaging in an activity common 
to both countries. He knew the influence and power that such an event 
would have on people. We need to continue to believe in his philosophy 
because it is important to see what further impacts sports can have on 
our world.
  Peters' ambitious initiatives were not always successful, but neither 
his passion or his resolve ever faded. His dedication was an 
inspiration not only to athletes but to many others in our community 
who are seeking ways to make a contribution.

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