[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 88 (Wednesday, June 19, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E918]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS MINNESOTA

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2013

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the 
athletes, volunteers and fans of Special Olympics Minnesota in honor of 
their 40th anniversary. This weekend, thousands of people will be 
gathering in Stillwater, Minnesota to celebrate this momentous 
milestone with a variety of activities, including athletic competitions 
and live music.
  Founded just five years after Special Olympics was established 
nationally, thousands upon thousands of Minnesota athletes with 
intellectual or physical disabilities have had the opportunity to 
compete in 17 Olympic style sports year round, including alpine skiing, 
volleyball, golf, snowboarding and tennis. The Special Olympics message 
is simple and profound: ``Through sports, our athletes are seeing 
themselves for their abilities, not disabilities. Their world is opened 
with acceptance and understanding. They become confident and empowered 
by their accomplishments.'' Rather than focusing on what they can't do, 
Special Olympics Minnesota focuses on what the individual can do.
  Respect, accomplishment, choice, quality, partnership and integrity 
are the six core values represented by Special Olympics Minnesota. 
These values contribute to an understanding of the whole person and the 
whole athlete.
  This year, members of our law enforcement in Minnesota are 
participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which has taken place 
annually across the country since it was founded in 1981 by Police 
Chief Richard LaMunyon, of Wichita, Kansas. In 2012, more than 1,200 
law enforcement officers throughout the State of Minnesota participated 
in this special torch run for Special Olympics Minnesota. Thanks to the 
hard work and commitment of the officers, $3 million was successfully 
raised for Special Olympics Minnesota in 2012.
  Mr. Speaker, in honor of the athletes, volunteers, donors and staff 
of Special Olympics Minnesota, I proudly submit this statement to the 
Congressional Record in recognition of their 40th anniversary as an 
organization, and I commend all those joining in celebration this 
weekend in Stillwater, Minnesota.

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