[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 23 (Thursday, February 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING AND SUPPORTING TEAM USA AT THE XXII OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 6, 2014

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Team USA, the 
United States Olympic Committee, and all of our Olympic and Paralympic 
athletes. Today, the 22nd Olympic Winter Games will begin in Sochi, 
Russia. They will be followed shortly afterwards by the 11th Paralympic 
Winter Games. Over 200 American athletes will be representing our 
nation at the Olympics, participating in 15 events.
  Many of these athletes have worked all their lives for the honor of 
representing their nation at the highest level. All of them will 
captivate and inspire us all through friendly competition, 
sportsmanship, solidarity, and fair play. From the thrill of downhill 
skiing to the quiet Zen of curling, Olympians from across the globe 
will kindle the Olympic Spirit as they compete alongside other world-
class athletes.
  I am especially pleased that my home state of Rhode Island is 
represented in Pairs Figure Skating by Marissa Castelli of Cranston. It 
has been over a quarter century since Team USA was on the medal 
platform for Pairs Skating, but we have a great chance of returning 
this year. We are all immensely proud of her accomplishments and we 
look forward to cheering on Marissa, her partner Simon Shnapir, and all 
the other members of Team USA.
  In addition to our Olympic athletes, I would like to take a moment to 
commend America's 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.
  I would also like to recognize the courage of all the LGBT athletes 
participating in these Olympics. While I strongly oppose Russia's anti-
gay legislation, I have every confidence that our athletes will display 
the same grace and dignity under pressure that has served them well in 
their quest for Olympic glory.
  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 wish our 
Athletes well in the upcoming games, and thank the U.S. Olympic 
Committee for their continued dedication to achieving a better world 
through athletics.

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