[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 116 (Tuesday, July 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2008

  Mr. KING of New York. Madam Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge the 
Special Olympics, an outstanding organization which provides 2.5 
million children and adults with intellectual disabilities an 
opportunity to participate in year-round, Olympic-style, athletic 
competitions.
  July 20, 2008, will mark the Special Olympics' 40th anniversary. 
Thanks to hard work from thousands of dedicated volunteers, families 
and athletes, the Special Olympics has grown from its humble beginnings 
in Eunice Kennedy Shriver's Maryland home to over 200 programs located 
throughout 180 countries. The Special Olympics provides its athletes 
with 30 Olympic-style games--varying from alpine skiing to bocce--and 
includes children as young as 8.
  In my home State of New York, the Special Olympics has a great 
tradition as one of the leading charitable organizations for the 
intellectually disabled. For this, the New York Special Olympics plays 
an irreplaceable role in the National Special Olympics Program. Today, 
New York is home to an astounding 43,000 athletes who participate in 
over 400 Olympic-style competitions.
  The benefits of the Special Olympics go far beyond gold medals. The 
skills and relationships built during the athletes' participation give 
them the courage, self-confidence and ability to excel on and off the 
field. Not only does the Special Olympics serve the athletes, but also 
families, volunteers and communities who gain respect, tolerance, and 
understanding for persons with disabilities.
  I would like to thank the millions of volunteers, the organization of 
the Special Olympics and, most importantly, the athletes, for providing 
the world with an invaluable service.

                          ____________________