[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 113 (Friday, July 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1991-E1992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     ENCOURAGING SELECTION OF CHICAGO AS THE 2016 OLYMPIC HOST CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 22, 2009

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by 
thanking Congresswoman Janice Schakowsky for introducing this 
legislation. It is with great pride that I encourage the International 
Olympic Committee to select the fine city of Chicago, Illinois, as the 
host city for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  Since World War II, at least eighty-one athletes who were either born 
in Texas or lived in the state at the time of their competition, have 
won Olympic gold medals. From Michael Johnson to Tara Lipinski, from 
Nastia Liukin to Sheryl Swoopes, the list is filled with the world's 
best athletes. These great athletes represent eleven different sports, 
with track and field, the premier Olympic sport, having the largest 
number. Therefore, I know the value that the Olympic spirit can have on 
the citizens of a city and country, and I fully support Chicago in 
their efforts to bring this worldwide event to their city. Chicago, 
Illinois, advocates the ideals of the Olympic movement and governments 
from across the United States, including Houston, are joining together 
to show their support for bringing the Olympic Games to Chicago, 
Illinois, in 2016.
  The Olympic movement has built a more peaceful and better world by 
educating young people through amateur athletics, by bringing together 
athletes from many countries in friendly competition, and by forging 
new relationships bound by friendship, solidarity, and fair play. June 
23rd, Olympic Day, is a unique, global event held every year. National 
Olympic Committees (NOCs) around the world share this universal 
festivity with their respective communities, making it the most 
celebrated Olympic event after the Olympic Games.
  On June 23, 2009, Houston celebrated Olympic Day with a special event 
featuring former Olympian Leigh Barczewski at the NFL Youth Education 
Town #2 at James Driver Park Boys and Girls Club facility. Leigh 
presented on one of the 4 Olympic values, Respect, as well as shared 
with the children his experience as an Olympic cyclist in the 1976 
games. Olympic Day has greatly impacted the youth of the world and is 
teaching them important lessons that they will use for a lifetime.
  In a world where many nations are still choosing conflict over 
cooperation, Olympic Day is a venue through which countries all over 
the world are exhibiting the Olympic values and choosing friendship and 
respect over conflict and discord.

[[Page E1992]]

  I would like to congratulate the city of Chicago on its many 
accomplishments over the years and hope that they will be awarded the 
great honor of hosting the 2016 Olympics.

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