[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 191 (Thursday, December 13, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING KENTUCKY'S SPECIAL OLYMPICS WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2007

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Kentucky's Special Olympics Women's Basketball team for capturing the 
gold medal at the 2007 Special Olympics World Games in Shanghai, China. 
Members of the team include: Sheila Crowson, Kay Gregory, Crystal 
Matson, Mary Ann Wilcome, Natalie Williams, Kelly King, Marcie 
Blandford, Jennifer Hamilton, and Taylor Thompson.
  The team qualified to be one of two teams to represent the United 
States by winning the 2006 Kentucky State Tournament. In preparation 
for their trip to China, the team joined 400 other athletes in 
Nashville, Tennessee at a Team USA Training Camp.
  In China, the women were joined by almost 7,500 other athletes from 
around the world competing in 25 different Olympic-type sports. The 
team started the games with an 0-3 start but their fortunes quickly 
changed. In the all important medal round, the team went undefeated. 
Their victories included an upset win over an undefeated Serbian team 
and their 21-6 victory over Tunisia in the Gold Medal game.
  I would like to congratulate the players and their coaches for this 
impressive achievement, particularly Head Coach Brent Belcher and 
Assistant Coaches Derek Shadoan and Jennifer Siebold for their hard 
work and dedication. Also, I would also like to thank the Bowling Green 
community for their generous support that allowed the team to 
participate in the Summer Games. The players and coaches raised over 
$22,000 from businesses, civic groups, and individuals.
  It is my privilege to recognize the Kentucky Special Olympics Women's 
Basketball team today, before the entire House of Representatives, for 
winning the Gold Medal at the 2007 Special Olympics World Games. Their 
hard work and success has made the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky 
proud.

                          ____________________