[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 42 (Thursday, March 13, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S1648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           2014 PARALYMPIANS

 Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today I wish to extend a well-
deserved congratulations to Amy Purdy, a Nevadan who has earned the 
unique distinction of being named to the 2014 United States Paralympic 
Team. Amy is the only double amputee competing in snowboard cross. 
Ranking internationally as the No. 2 athlete in the sport in her field, 
I am proud to recognize her and some of our Nation's greatest athletes 
as members of Paralympic Team USA.
  A Las Vegas native, Amy embodies the epitome of battle born having 
defeated a number of setbacks after contracting a deadly strain of 
meningitis at only 19 years of age. Amy overcame this significant 
challenge without hesitation and stands stronger than ever today. Just 
3 months after her release from the hospital in 2001, Amy was back on 
her snowboard, shredding all statistics that said she should not have 
been alive.
  The snow is not the only place where Amy showcases her talents. Upon 
her return from Sochi, Amy will compete on season 18 of Dancing with 
the Stars, where she hopes to raise awareness for the Paralympic 
movement.
  In addition to challenging herself athletically, Amy champions all 
unique levels of abilities through her founding work with Adaptive 
Action Sports, an action sport development program for youth, young 
adults, and wounded veterans, all with permanent, physical 
disabilities.
  I wish Amy the best of luck on her trip in Sochi. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in congratulating this remarkable athlete and Silver State 
citizen as we show support for the entire U.S. Paralympic Team.

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