[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 97 (Friday, June 20, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1033-E1034]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE 2014 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. RUSH HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2014

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the 2014 Special 
Olympics USA Games. I am proud to say that the 2014 USA Games are being 
held throughout the state of New Jersey this week.
  I especially want to honor the Special Olympics New Jersey Staff and 
Board of Directors, the athletes who demonstrate a true commitment to 
sport, the families that support them, and the volunteers and sponsors. 
They are all extraordinary citizens of this great state who demonstrate 
true ``Genuine Jersey Pride'' in the spirit of inclusive sports play.
  Team New Jersey is made up of 269 athletes and 73 coaches, 
representing every county in our state, the largest delegation from New 
Jersey in the history of the Games.
  The Special Olympics was established by President John F. Kennedy's 
sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and is the world's largest organization 
dedicated to developing and enhancing the talents and abilities of 
children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Her support for 
people with intellectual disabilities

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was the driving force behind the Special Olympics program. Through her 
leadership, a backyard summer day camp transformed into a global 
movement.
  She believed that given the chance all people can accomplish great 
feats. I wholeheartedly agree. Her relentless effort and advocacy 
manifested into entire networks of foundations and research dedicated 
to improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.
  The creation of the International Special Olympics Games in 1968 
enabled a thousand participants and their families to compete in track 
and field and swimming events. Since those first games, the Special 
Olympics have grown to over 170 countries and include over 4 million 
child and adult athletes. The United States now hosts its own 
quadrennial Special Olympics Games and includes participants from all 
52 U.S. programs.
  New Jersey was among the first states to enlist in the Special 
Olympics program over 40 years ago. We now have over 21,000 athletes 
and 20,000 volunteers. It is fitting then for New Jersey to be the host 
of the 2014 Games, called the Games of Welcome and Acceptance. The 
Games will undoubtedly highlight our State's delightful spirit and 
innate sense of community. Participants will compete in 16 Olympic-
styled events that include Unified play, where people with and without 
intellectual disabilities get to perform together and create 
friendships.
  The enormous impact of the Special Olympics extends far beyond 
athletic competition. The athletes will gain a sense of pride and 
belonging that will carry over into their everyday lives. Once again, 
congratulations to all of the athletes who are participating in the 
2014 Special Olympics USA National Games and to all those who help make 
the Games possible.

                          ____________________