[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 107 (Monday, July 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS MARYLAND SOCCER TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 18, 2011

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a remarkable 
team from Maryland's Fifth Congressional District who, last month, 
proved that practice, perseverance, and teamwork can lead to victory. 
On July 2, Team USA, consisting entirely of athletes from St. Mary's 
County, Maryland, defeated Spain in the 2011 Special Olympics World 
Summer Games Men's Soccer Championship match in Athens, Greece. They 
are the first U.S. team to bring home the gold in this event.
  In a come-from-behind win, Team USA emerged triumphant over the 
Spanish team with a 2-1 victory. Avery Long, who had never touched a 
soccer ball before this year, scored both the tying and winning goals. 
On the first, he was assisted by team member Larry Mills. With only two 
goals scored against him in the entire tournament, goalie Alan Hill can 
take great pride in being the most successful goalie in the 2011 games. 
TEAM USA was rounded out by Sam Huffman, Steven Summerfelt, Wesley 
Thompson, Sack Hall, Terrel Nowlin, Thomas Smith, and Shaun Ridley. All 
of these men can take great pride in the culmination of their hard work 
and dedication.
  So, too, can the team's leadership and coaching staff--Director Mary 
Lu Bucci, Head Coach John Toner, Assistant Coach Ken Cohen, and Manager 
Minter Willis. Together they have a combined total of 74 years of 
experience with Special Olympics in Southern Maryland.
  I also want to pay tribute to the 7 additional members of Special 
Olympics Maryland who traveled to Athens to be among the 7,500 athletes 
from 185 countries to participate in the 2011 World Summer Games. They 
are: Syd Lea (Cycling), Randi Penebugh (Powerlifting), James Purnell 
(Kayaking), Samantha DiSanti (Kayaking), Zachary Poston (Swimming), and 
James Dietrich and his Unified Partner, Robert Battista (Sailing).
  In all, Team Maryland achieved tremendous success, winning a total of 
ten medals--8 of which were gold. I want to congratulate them on their 
impressive achievements and I ask that all Americans join with me in 
applauding these outstanding individuals who have brought great pride 
to our nation.

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