[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 8, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING CHRISTINA COONEY FOR HER EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE AT THE 
              SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES IN LOS ANGELES

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 8, 2015

  Mr. HASTINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Christina 
Cooney for winning a Silver and Bronze medal in equestrian events at 
the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, California this past 
July.
  In order to qualify for the World Games, Christina had to win a gold 
medal in local, regional and state competitions, and be approved by 
Special Olympics Florida. Christina achieved all of these feats to 
become one of 7,000 competitors from over 170 countries around the 
world, and the only equestrian rider from Florida, out of ten riders 
from around the nation, to represent the United States at the World 
Games.
  Christina is visually impaired, deaf, mentally challenged, and cannot 
speak; yet, she is able to communicate with the horses she rides and 
cares for in a way few individuals are able. Christina started riding 
at Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee, Florida, at age 
12 and has ridden for over 20 years. At Vinceremos, Christina trains 
and volunteers on a daily basis, doing whatever tasks are required to 
care for the animals and the facilities.
  Christina developed a remarkable relationship with her coach, Kim 
Elie, who took it upon herself to learn sign language and created a 
buzzer system for communication purposes. When Christina learned she 
qualified for the World Games, she and her coaches and family faced one 
last challenge: funding the trip to compete in California. The Special 
Olympics only funds transportation for the competing athlete not for 
their family members and coaches. Thus, Coach Kim Elie's husband, Mark 
Elie, set up an online fundraising account that raised over $8,000 to 
fund the travel costs of her family members and coaches. In a similar 
way, a local restaurant held an event in support of Christina that 
raised over $7,000 in one night. This money has created a fund in 
Christina's name that pays for sign language instruction for her 
coaches.
  Mr. Speaker, I am extremely proud of Christina for continuing to push 
the bounds for what is possible within her sport. Christina has 
overcome many obstacles to become the decorated Olympic medalist she is 
today. She may live with disabilities, but she competes with the heart 
of an Olympian. That is why I am so truly honored to recognize 
Christina Cooney as a Hastings' Hero. It is inspiring individuals such 
as Christina, who give me great pride to represent in Congress.

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