[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2405-E2406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO JEFFERSON AWARD WINNER RUSSELL EWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2007

  Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I wish to recognize the achievements of a 
very special man within my home district in California. Russell Ewell, 
who has recently been honored with a Jefferson Award, is much deserving 
of the accolade, which spotlights outstanding public service.
  Mr. Ewell brought the community E-Soccer, a unique athletic outreach 
program affiliated with the Hope Technology School, where his wife is 
the Executive Director. The unqualified success of E-Soccer in bringing 
together typical and special needs children of all ages on a soccer 
field is a testament to Russ Ewell's visionary concept.
  Children are encouraged and enabled to develop skills, confidence and 
self-esteem through the sport of soccer. They also make lasting 
friendships. This wonderful program serves over 250 children on 
Saturday mornings in communities throughout the Bay Area. It is free 
and benefits from an all-volunteer staff. Showcasing the growing scope 
of E-Soccer is the fact that a team of nine coaches from the program 
recently visited Nairobi, Kenya, to train volunteers there on how to 
establish their own E-Soccer activities. There are plans for further 
outreach projects in other countries.
  Madam Speaker, Russell Ewell established the E-Soccer program in 
April 2000 specifically for children with special needs in Foster City. 
His inspiration came from his two sons with special needs. Their 
younger sister, Jadyn, is not a special needs child. Russ wanted 
Jonathan, who has Down Syndrome, and Jordan, who is autistic, to be 
able to interact with typical children, benefiting from the athletic 
coordination practiced in soccer. He also wanted families with special 
needs children to have an opportunity to enjoy an athletic experience 
that is both positive and uplifting. To that end, he worked with soccer 
coaches, special needs educators and physical therapists on developing 
a program like no

[[Page E2406]]

other; a sports program that doesn't isolate typical and special needs 
children, but integrates them seamlessly into group activities. Both 
communities benefit from the interaction. Russ has seen that success in 
his own children as well as the many families who have participated. 
What began with 5 children has grown into a blossoming effort with 250 
young soccer players.
  Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and appreciation that I bring 
Russell Ewell's E-Soccer program to the attention of my colleagues in 
the House of Representatives. He has created a shining example of how 
one man's idea can alter the lives of many for the better.

                          ____________________