[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 26 (Friday, February 12, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    SPECIAL OLYMPICS IN PENNSYLVANIA

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, I was 
honored to host Christa Mereen in Washington. Christa has competed in 
the Special Olympics as an athlete for 15 years. Recently, more than 
300 athletes participated in the winter games in Pennsylvania, with 135 
coaches and more than 1,000 volunteers.
  Pennsylvania's Special Olympics includes many athletes from 
Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, including Potter County 
athlete Denise Menderler. Denise is highly accomplished, having earned 
110 medals, including many gold honors. Denise gives back to her 
community as a peer advocate and a Potter County Human Services 
Advisory Board member. Denise's story is just like so many who 
participate in the Special Olympics who rise above challenges and excel 
in sports, from skiing to figure skating, speed skating, and snow 
shoeing.
  Mr. Speaker, on March 5 and 6, the skills of our Special Olympians 
will again be on display at the State Floor Hockey Tournament at Bald 
Eagle Area High School in my home district. I look forward to seeing 
them compete in person.

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