[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 20 (Thursday, February 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E232-E233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL SKATING MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEPHANIE TUBBS JONES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 31, 2007

  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
National Skating Month. This event has run throughout the month of 
January 2007, sponsored by the United States Figure Skating 
Association. It highlights contributions of U.S. figure skaters such as 
the wonderful competitors who participated in this month's U.S. Figure 
Skating Championships held in Spokane, WA, from January 21 through 
January 28, 2007.
  Recently, from November 28 through December 2, 2006, my home city of 
Cleveland, OH, hosted the U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships. 
This event featured young skaters from across the country. 
Significantly, efforts of the Cleveland Sports Commission, the Greater 
Cleveland Council of Figure Skating Clubs, and the United States Figure 
Skating Association resulted in an economic impact of over $1 million 
in Cleveland, OH.
  In January of 2009, Cleveland, OH, will again host the U.S. Figure 
Skating Championships. This will be Cleveland's fourth time hosting the 
senior championships, previously held in the city in 2000, 1964, and 
1940. This competition is one of the most significant events that a 
city can host. The 2000 championships had an economic impact in 
Cleveland calculated by the Cleveland Sports Commission at $19.5 
million.
  Figure skating is not only a wonderful sport to watch but is an 
activity that can be enjoyed by people throughout their lives. The 
sport is

[[Page E233]]

largely run by volunteers who spend countless hours in support of young 
people and their development. Furthermore, organizations such as 
Friends of Minority Figure Skating in Cleveland, OH, and the Kids on 
Ice Program of Fort Dupont Ice Arena in Washington, DC, create 
opportunities for young people who would not otherwise have an 
opportunity to participate in the sport.
  At the conclusion of this National Skating Month, I commend parents, 
coaches, skating clubs, service organizations, and skaters, both youth 
and adult. Their hard work and sportsmanship is well worth recognition.

                          ____________________