[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 117 (Saturday, July 30, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5132-S5133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL VETERANS WHEELCHAIR GAMES
Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to consideration of S. Res. 246, which was submitted earlier
today.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 246) recognizing and commending the
2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games, to be held in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August 1 through August 6, 2011.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution.
Mr. CASEY. Madam President, I rise today in favor of this resolution
to recognize the importance of the National Veterans Wheelchair games
which will be held in Pittsburgh, PA, starting August 1. This
resolution recognizes the great contributions that this event makes
towards improving the lives of disabled veterans and commends the
organizers of this event.
I am proud to welcome veterans from across the country to Pittsburgh,
PA, this year as they participate in the 31st annual National Veterans
Wheelchair Games. The games offer veterans with disabilities an
opportunity to foster improved health through competition. Veterans can
participate in 17 different events which include swimming, rugby,
bowling, soccer and track and field events. These games have allowed
for veterans, including those who have served in Operation Enduring
Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom a chance to meet with other
wheelchair athletes and to continue to use their athletic skills in
competition.
Participants come from almost every State in the United States, from
Puerto Rico and from the United Kingdom. They range from world class
athletes to first time competitors. A quarter of the athletes will be
participating for the first time.
As a Senator representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, home to
over 1 million veterans, the care and treatment of veterans is one of
my highest priorities. I firmly believe that this country must be
grateful for the safe homecoming of every single man and woman who has
served in harm's way. Our joy at their return must be reflected in our
commitment to helping all those who have served, especially those who
are coping with devastating physical injuries and illnesses.
[[Page S5133]]
During my time in the U.S. Senate, I have sponsored and supported
legislation to help our Nation's veterans. I strongly believe that
treatment and rehabilitation of our Nation's veterans should be among
our highest priorities. These games offer our Nation's veterans an
opportunity to overcome adversity and work towards rehabilitation. As
such the games deserve our support and attention.
It is with great pride that I offer this resolution to recognize the
contribution that this event makes towards improving the lives of
disabled veterans and commend the organizers and volunteers of this
event. I thank Senator Toomey for joining me in sponsoring this and I
urge all of my colleagues to join me in support of this resolution.
Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I further ask that the resolution be
agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid
upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and that any
statements be printed in the Record.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 246) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 246
Whereas the National Veterans Wheelchair Games are a multi-
event sports and rehabilitation program for veterans who use
wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord
injuries, amputations, or neurological problems;
Whereas the National Veterans Wheelchair Games is the
largest annual wheelchair sporting event in the world,
attracting roughly 600 athletes annually;
Whereas in 2011, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games
will be held August 1 through August 6, in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania;
Whereas competitive events at the National Veterans
Wheelchair Games include table tennis, archery, swimming,
quad rugby, weightlifting, air guns, nine-ball, basketball,
softball, bowling, handcycling, power soccer, trapshooting,
Super ``6'' slalom, a motorized wheelchair rally, and track
and field events;
Whereas the National Veterans Wheelchair Games provide
veterans with disabilities the opportunity to enhance their
quality of life and promote better health through sports
competition; and
Whereas past National Veterans Wheelchair Games have
produced national and world-class champions and given newly
disabled veterans, including veterans who have served in
Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, a
chance to participate in events with other wheelchair
athletes and to continue to use their athletic skills in
competition: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) recognizes the significant contribution that the
National Veterans Wheelchair Games make to the lives of
disabled veterans who have selflessly served the United
States; and
(2) commends the organizers and volunteers of and the
participants in the 2011 National Veterans Wheelchair Games
for their efforts in service of the United States.
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