[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S6677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING MICHIGAN'S 2012 PARALYMPIANS

  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, a moving 11-day journey recently came to an 
end. Nearly 4,300 athletes from 166 countries traveled to London, 
England, to fulfill their dream of representing their country at the 
2012 Paralympic games. I congratulate each of these athletes on a job 
well done and for their hard work, determination and triumph. Their 
accomplishments inspired us all and help to broaden our sense of what 
is possible for individuals living with a disability.
  Shortly after the 2012 Olympic games concluded, Olympic officials 
worked feverishly to transform the Olympic venues for the upcoming 
Paralympic games. Their task was formidable, and their work was 
impressive. And once again, London proved to be an exceedingly 
welcoming host. In fact, more than 2.7 million spectators attended the 
games, shattering the previous mark and making these games the best 
attended in history. Many venues were filled to capacity. The energy 
and excitement of the fans was impressive and a wonderful inspiration 
for these athletes to showcase their talents. While the world watched 
with joy and amazement, the athletes competed fiercely, setting an 
astonishing 251 world records in the process.
  Those in attendance and audiences around the world were treated to 
many dazzling performances and were introduced to some truly inspiring 
personal stories. One such story is that of LT. Brad Synder. Almost 1 
year ago to the day, Lieutenant Synder was bravely serving his country 
in Afghanistan when a bomb exploded, rendering him blind. One year 
later, he stood in London, again representing his country, with two 
gold medals and a silver in swimming around his neck and a world record 
in his grasp. In the face of such a tragic and life-altering injury, 
this brave soldier refused to let this injury define him and forged 
ahead, setting his sights on a new goal. There is also LCDR Steven 
Peace who began cycling during rehabilitation from a stroke he suffered 
during Active Duty and competed for Team USA in that event. And there 
is Scot Severn, another former soldier, who won bronze in shot put at 
these games after recovering from injuries sustained from a lighting 
strike while on duty. These are but a few of the seemingly endless 
stories of perseverance and strength that define the lives of these 
athletes and enrich the lives of all of us.
  It was in 1948 that the seed of what would grow to become the second 
largest sporting event in the world was planted in London. Sir Ludwig 
Guttman sought to inspire recently wounded World War II veterans by 
organizing a sporting event to raise their spirits and aid their 
rehabilitation. After years of increasing participation and awareness, 
this sporting event, which was conceived to parallel the Olympic games, 
would formally become known as the Paralympic games in 1960. In 2012, 
227 athletes represented the United States in London.
  There were many Paralympic athletes with ties to Michigan on Team 
USA. They represented their Nation and Michigan admirably. They include 
Steve Peace in cycling, Asya Miller in goalball, Robin Theryoung in 
goalball, Tucker Dupree in swimming, Scott Severn in track and field, 
Bryan Barten in wheelchair tennis, and Mackenzie Soldan in wheelchair 
tennis. Along with these impressive athletes, I also congratulate the 
legions of coaches, trainers, officials, support staff, family and 
friends who played indispensable roles for these athletes and helped to 
make their performances possible.
  There are more than 24 million Americans living with a disability and 
many more who face some sort of physical, visual or mental challenge. 
The athletes who competed in London sent a strong, compelling signal 
that, while their circumstance may seem daunting, there are many 
mountains to climb and races to win if they are determined and willing 
to pursue excellence in whatever field they choose, whether it be the 
track, a classroom or any other worthy pursuit. These games also bring 
greater awareness and more resources to efforts to increase the 
availability of physical activity for disabled Americans across the 
Nation, the benefits of which have been well-documented in recent 
years.
  The 2012 Paralympic games dazzled us with impressive athletic feats, 
inspired us with stories of courage and perseverance, and reminded us 
that we can all overcome adversity and pursue excellence both in 
competition and in life. The 2012 summer Paralympic games, like the 
Olympic games that preceded it, was a stage on which athletes from 
across the globe came together in friendly competition. Barb and I 
salute every athlete who represented Team USA in London. As one 
organizer eloquently stated, ``The Paralympians have lifted the cloud 
of limitation.'' For that, we owe them a deep debt of gratitude.

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