[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 15, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S698-S699]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE ALASKA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

 Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize the 
Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. Since the body's inception in 2006 and its 
first class of inductees in 2007, the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame has 
educated Alaskans and visitors, honored and preserved memories in 
Alaskan sports, and promoted a healthy youth population by providing 
activities that will inspire children to strive for success in their 
own lives. The Hall's mission is to teach, honor, and inspire.
  Beyond that core mission, the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame has done 
much to promote the accomplishments of the world-class athletes in the 
great state of Alaska. The 23 Hall of Fame inductees through 2012 have 
stacked up tremendous accomplishments, but there is, perhaps above all 
else, a single thread that binds the inductees together: a love and 
respect for Alaska.
  Dr. Bradford Washburn, without ever actually living in-State, was 
certainly an honorary Alaskan. He traversed the North Country in more 
than 70 trips and strapped himself into the open door of a low-flying 
plane for aerial photographic work of the great State of Alaska. The 
legendary ``Huslia Hustler,'' George Attla, was a ten-time Fur Rondy 
sled dog champion and motivated crowds that included a strong rivalry 
with Roland ``Doc'' Lombard. Carlos Boozer, born in Juneau, played for 
the Crimson Bears at Juneau-Douglas High School, compiling a 95 12 
career record and winning back-to-back Class 4A State titles in 1997 
and 1998, before moving on to be an NBA All-Star. Reggie Joule, the 
greatest practitioner of the blanket toss in the long history of the 
World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, captured more than 30 medals in the 2-
foot high kick, greased pole walk, arm pull, and other events, earning 
the title ``Mr. Olympics.''
  The Alaska Sports Hall of Fame depicts an understanding that goes 
beyond the basic tenets of its own stated mission. It is a way to honor 
the Alaskan way of life and to depict Alaskan exceptionalism. Mark 
Schlereth, 2008 Alaska Sports Hall of Fame inductee and 3-time Super 
Bowl Champion, described the Alaskan bond as special and a true source 
of pride.
  After the sweat, the injuries, the memories, the failures and 
accomplishments, the true value of sport goes far beyond the statues 
and medals. Sport brings friends and family together it can make 
teammates of complete strangers. It provides youth with positive role 
models, promotes healthy lifestyles, and teaches life skills.
  The Alaska Sports Hall of Fame reminds us of the positive attributes 
of sport, but equally important is highlighting and respecting the 
Alaskan way of life. Events such as the Iditarod, the Great Alaska 
Shootout, and the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics showcase the great State 
of Alaska and who we are as a people.
  There is so much to celebrate and commemorate in Alaska. The Alaska 
Sports Hall of Fame provides an opportunity to demonstrate excellence 
in athletic endeavors by exceptional Alaskans.

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