[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 22 (Thursday, February 9, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF CHRISTOPHER CANNING

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. AARON SCHOCK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 9, 2012

  Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of an 
exceptional young person whose character and accomplishments during his 
short life of 15 years merit commendation. Chris Canning was an honor 
student, musician, athlete, humanitarian, and elite martial artist.
  In addition to achieving the status of First Degree Black Belt in 
Taekwondo in only 4 years and playing baseball, basketball and football 
for his high school, Chris found time to volunteer in his community of 
Maroa, Illinois, delivering food and clothing to those in need and 
working in an animal shelter.
  Chris has been honored for his service to others and excellence in 
martial arts by the United Nations Youth Assembly, the World Martial 
Arts Hall of Fame, the United States Olympic Committee, and the USA 
Taekwondo Martial Arts Commission, among many others. Despite all of 
these accolades, the qualities that Chris's family and friends most 
associate with him were humility and a commitment to service above 
self. His pursuit in each of life's endeavors, in and out of the 
martial arts, was to give more than he received, not to gain praise or 
honor, but to share achievement with others and to set aside his own 
desires in order to help those less fortunate. His greatest 
satisfaction came from being there when needed and making a difference.
  He was a sincere friend and loving son, and he is missed by all who 
knew him. His legacy lives on through the Chris Canning Foundation and 
Awards Program, which has been given to 77 youths from around the world 
who exemplify the strength of character and excellence that Chris 
possessed.
  It is my honor to recognize the legacy of this exceptional young man 
from Central Illinois today.

                          ____________________