[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           SUPPORTING TEAM USA AND THE U.S. OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2012

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, in the summer of 2012, we, as a nation, 
watched with pride as Team USA competed in the Olympic and Paralympic 
games in London, England. With over 200 nations competing in 300 
events, the Olympic Games once again demonstrated the capacity of 
international sports to captivate and inspire us all through friendly 
competition, sportsmanship, solidarity, and fair play.
  Team USA was well-represented, with 530 Olympians and over 245 
Paralympians, each of whom served as an example to all of us with their 
unyielding commitment to excellence. Their years of dedication paid off 
handsomely, as Team USA finished first in the overall Olympic medal 
count with 46 gold, 29 silver, and 29 bronze medals, and fourth in the 
Paralympic medal count with 31 gold, 29 silver, and 38 bronze medals.
  I would especially like to point out the courage and fortitude put 
forth by so many Paralympians. Although they might not get the same 
television coverage as the Olympics, the Paralympics showcases some of 
the finest talent this country has to offer. Some of these world-class 
athletes are also wounded warriors who served in our military and 
fought for our country with honor and distinction. I have been pleased 
to work with the U.S. Olympic Committee and my Congressional colleagues 
to provide adaptive sports programs to injured service members, helping 
to speed their recovery time, bolster their self-confidence, and vastly 
improve their quality of life.
  Olympian or Paralympian, all members of Team USA put forth their best 
effort at the Summer Olympics. They have trained their entire lives for 
the honor and privilege of representing the United States in 
international competition. Their achievements are extraordinary, and we 
are proud of all they have accomplished.
  To honor the hard work and unparalleled success of Team USA and the 
U.S. Olympic Committee, I have proudly joined my fellow co-chairs of 
the Congressional Olympic and Paralympic Caucus to introduce H. Res. 
780, a resolution in support of the goals and ideals of the Olympic 
movement.
  The Olympic movement is a testament to the power of international 
competition to unite us in common spirit and a reminder to all that we 
can achieve our dreams with courage and determination. I congratulate 
Team USA for their success and thank the U.S. Olympic Committee for 
their continued dedication to achieving a better world through 
athletics.

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