[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 118 (Monday, July 23, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H8210-H8211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RESOLUTION COMMENDING IDAHO ON WINNING THE BID TO HOST THE 2009 SPECIAL
OLYMPICS WORLD WINTER GAMES
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 380) commending Idaho on winning the bid to
host the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 380
Whereas Special Olympics is an international nonprofit
organization that promotes personal development through
sports training and competition;
Whereas Special Olympics advances the understanding of
intellectual disabilities through participation and
fellowship in the Nation and around the World;
Whereas Special Olympics serves more than 2,500,000
individuals with intellectual disabilities around the globe;
Whereas Special Olympics offers more than 205 programs in
over 165 countries;
[[Page H8211]]
Whereas Special Olympics offers 30 Olympic-type summer and
winter sports to both children and adults with intellectual
disabilities;
Whereas Boise, Idaho won the International bid to host the
2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games to be held during
February 6-13, 2009;
Whereas thousands of athletes are expected to compete in 7
winter sports in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter
Games; and
Whereas the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games will
be the largest multi-sport event ever held in the State of
Idaho: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) applauds the goals and principles of Special Olympics;
(2) salutes the athletes, coaches, family members, friends,
and volunteers that make Special Olympics World Winter Games
possible;
(3) congratulates the State of Idaho as the host for the
2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games; and
(4) supports the 2009 Special Olympic World Winter Games
and the goals of the Special Olympics to enrich the lives of
people with intellectual disabilities through sports.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Sherman) and the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pence)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution
and yield myself as much time as I may consume.
In 1968, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the world's great champion of people
with intellectual disabilities, created the Special Olympics. For Mrs.
Shriver, the founding of the Special Olympics was a capstone of her
decades-long effort to improve the lives of people with intellectual
disabilities. It is a testament to her dogged dedication that the
Special Olympics thrives today.
Eunice's idea was simple: give people with intellectual disabilities
the same opportunities other young people have to develop their
physical fitness, to create friendships, and to enjoy the thrill of
competition.
Today, the Special Olympics offers year-round training in 30 summer
and winter sports for both children and adults with intellectual
disabilities. The Special Olympics serves more than 2.25 million
intellectually disabled people through 200 programs in 160 countries.
I want to salute my colleague Mr. Sali from Idaho for introducing
this legislation. Mr. Sali rightfully takes pride that his State has
landed the honor of hosting the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter
Games. Being named host of the 2009 winter games is a tremendous
achievement for the great State of Idaho. There could be no better
backdrop than the stark beauty of the State of Idaho and the Sawtooth
Mountains.
The Special Olympics has become an important global event. The 2009
games will include thousands of competitors from over 100 countries
competing in seven different winter sports. It will be the largest
multisport event in the history of the State of Idaho. Idaho will be a
terrific host for an event that empowers these brave young men and
women and builds their self-esteem.
I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
(Mr. PENCE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to congratulate Idaho on its
successful bid, as well, to host the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter
Games and express strong support for H. Res. 380.
The Special Olympics program has benefited countless people with
disabilities nationwide and around the globe, raising awareness,
fostering support for a great cause while enabling the participants to
enhance their self-confidence and gain a sense of well-deserved
personal accomplishment through sports and competition. It is, in every
sense, a blessing to the participants.
The millions of volunteers, coaches and athletes involved with the
Special Olympics do a great service for their community and their
country and, of course, to those with intellectual disabilities. I
would also say, though, having been involved and been in attendance at
Special Olympics programs, I haven't met a volunteer yet, Mr. Speaker,
who didn't think that they were richer as a result of their
participation in this extraordinary program, to see the courage of
those who compete and the extraordinary sacrifice of the parents of
those who bring them to such a wonderful opportunity.
Through the dedication of these volunteers, the Special Olympics have
continued to grow and impact the lives of more and more people around
the world.
The 2009 Winter Games in Idaho promise to be a great showcase for
Special Olympics participants from around the world to compete at a
high level and demonstrate that disabilities are no match for
individuals who are driven to succeed.
Again, I congratulate Idaho for being selected as the host of an
event of such magnitude. I extend my best wishes to their new Governor
and my friend, and I am fully confident that it will be a resounding
success.
I urge my colleagues to render their full support for this
resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1315
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I again express support for H. Res. 380 and
congratulate the State of Idaho for winning the opportunity to host the
2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from California (Mr. Sherman) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 380.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
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