[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 80 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E933]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TO RECOGNIZE THE FIRST ANNUAL MILITARY TENNIS CAMP

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                         HON. BRIAN P. BILBRAY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 31, 2012

  Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United States 
Tennis Association, San Diego District Tennis Association, Naval 
Medical Center San Diego, and Balboa Tennis Club for working together 
to create the First Annual Military Tennis Camp for Ill, Injured and 
Wounded Service Members and Veterans. This remarkable event took place 
at Balboa Tennis Club in San Diego, May 16, 2012 through May 19, 2012, 
and brought over forty military heroes together to play tennis while 
working to improve their physical well-being and overall quality of 
life.
  Serving our ill and wounded military service members, veterans, and 
their families through a variety of tennis programs is a major focus 
for these outstanding organizations. Tennis therapy clinics are 
providing exciting benefits to participants, including improved 
endurance, balance, hand-eye coordination and weight transfer 
abilities. Additionally, by enabling them to learn a new sport, these 
organizations are truly improving the lives of wounded service members 
and veterans. Tennis is an activity that service members can continue 
to play when they return to their hometowns and will help them reduce 
stress and anxiety while also improving their physical activity.
  Lastly, I would like to thank the U.S. Olympic Committee, the 
Department of Veterans Affairs, and private donors for providing all 
airfare, meals, local transportation and hotel costs for each 
participant. Taken together, these groups raised over $40,000 to fund 
this great cause, and this event could not have taken place if it were 
not for the work and generosity of these great organizations.
  I ask my colleagues to please join me in recognizing and 
congratulating the United States Tennis Association, the San Diego 
District Tennis Association, Naval Medical Center San Diego, the U.S. 
Olympic Committee and Balboa Tennis Club for the outstanding work they 
have done, and are continuing to do, for our nation's heroes and their 
families.

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