[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING LONNIE BRAXTON, STUART ENGLISH, AND CHRISTOPHER DUNCAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2010

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor three incredible 
athletes from eastern Connecticut. Lonnie Braxton III of New London, 
Stuart English of Madison, and Christopher Duncan of Groton all 
competed in the 2010 Special Olympics National Games in Lincoln, 
Nebraska earlier this month. These three tennis players, along with 
every other member of Connecticut's team, made our State proud by 
bringing tough competition to their opponents and exemplifying 
sportsmanship.
  I want to congratulate Lonnie in particular for winning the gold 
medal in the singles competition. He went undefeated in the division 
and gave an incredible performance over the course of the games. 
Lonnie's victory is the product of hard work and a great deal of 
training in Connecticut. All of this training happened as Lonnie 
continued with his classes and work at Puffins restaurant in Groton. I 
have had the pleasure of eating at Puffins and Lonnie is very hard-
working and pleasant for all the customers. What a great role model for 
us all.
  Stuart and Christopher also took home medals playing tennis for 
Connecticut--winning bronze and silver in singles, respectively. The 
Connecticut tennis team gave an excellent performance and I am 
particularly proud of the strong eastern Connecticut contingent on that 
team.
  Having attended ceremonies and events of Special Olympics 
Connecticut, I am familiar with the good work they do. These 
competitions are, above anything else, about the athletes who 
participate in them. We should be grateful for the unique opportunity 
they provide and the overwhelmingly positive impact that the 
competitions have on the lives of the athletes. I ask my colleagues to 
join me in congratulating Lonnie, Stuart, Christopher, and every member 
of the Connecticut tennis team for their hard work and victory at the 
National Special Olympics.

                          ____________________