[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 156 (Tuesday, November 5, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S7828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING KATHY MULLEN

 Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring the memory of Kathleen Joy ``Kathy'' Mullen, a trailblazer in 
Fresno's special abilities community who was beloved locally and 
beyond. Ms. Mullen passed away on July 18 at the age of 52.
  Kathy was born with Down syndrome, but she never allowed it or 
anything else to keep her from fully pursuing her dreams. From an early 
age, Kathy loved performing for others, whether she was shadowing her 
sister practicing a gymnastics routine or staging her own performances 
in the family backyard.
  Kathy's love of athletics and performing drew her to competitive 
sports, where through focus and dedication, she made history as Fresno 
County's first Special Olympian. Kathy was a gifted athlete who broke 
records as the only Special Olympian to receive State, national and 
world gold medals in four different sports--gymnastics, swimming, 
bowling, and ice skating.
  In 1983, inspired by Kathy's accomplishments and passion for 
athletics, her family founded Break the Barriers, a Fresno-based 
organization that enables athletes of all ages and physical abilities 
to hone their skills, train together, and establish bonds of 
understanding and respect. Thirty years later, Break the Barriers 
provides instruction and training to 3,000 people each year in a 
32,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility.
  To those fortunate enough to have known her, Kathy Mullen will be 
fondly remembered not just for her gold medals, but also for her 
infectious smile, character, resolve and remarkable ability to inspire 
everyone lucky enough to have known her. She will be missed.

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