[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 30, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE 2010 NATIONAL JUNIOR DISABILITY CHAMPIONSHIPS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 29, 2010

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, today I would like to recognize 
the participants and sponsors of the National Junior Disability 
Championships. This annual competition, founded by Wheelchair Sports 
USA, has helped teach the value of sports to young athletes since 1984. 
It began as a small competition for wheelchair athletes ages 7 to 21. 
Since that time, it has continued to grow both in nature and number. 
The competition expanded in scope to include athletes with many 
different types of disabilities, not just those in wheelchairs. 
Athletes with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, blindness, and many 
other disabilities now participate in the competition. Reflecting this 
expansion in mission, the sponsoring organization changed its name to 
Wheelchair & Ambulatory Sports USA. The diversity of sports offered 
also increased. Although only three sports were initially offered, 
athletes now participate in seven areas of competition. Over 300 
athletes from around the country participate each year.
  For some of these young athletes, the National Junior Disability 
Championships competition provides a pathway to qualify for the U.S. 
Paralympics team. More importantly, however, it provides these young 
people the opportunity to develop the values of teamwork, 
sportsmanship, hard work, and perseverance offered by sports. 
Participants also benefit in other ways. For example, research shows 
the importance of physical activity in both the physical and mental 
development of children. This event removes the barriers that so often 
prevent these young people with disabilities from participating in 
sports, allowing them to reap the benefits of athletic competition.
  In closing, I would also like to congratulate the athletes 
participating in the National Junior Disability Championships. It takes 
great perseverance, commitment, and strength of spirit to participate 
in this type of competition. I wish you the best of luck as you prepare 
for your respective athletic events.

                          ____________________