[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE JOE HOCKEY, THE AUSTRALIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE 
                             UNITED STATES

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing the Honorable Joe Hockey, the 
Australian Ambassador to the United States, who has become the honorary 
patron of Washington DC Youth Rugby.
  The Embassy of Australia has been a partner with Washington DC Youth 
Rugby for the past six years, reaching out to underserved youth in the 
District of Columbia's inner city, promoting health and physical 
fitness, and teaching valuable life skills through the international 
sport of rugby.
  Recognizing rugby as the fastest growing sport at the youth level, 
the Embassy hosted over 300 guests at a sports diplomacy reception on 
August 25, with proceeds benefiting Washington DC Youth Rugby. That 
evening, Ambassador Hockey will be highlighting the participation of 
the Australian Wallabies and USA Eagles in the Olympics for the first 
time since 1924.
  Founded in 2004 with just seven players to field a team, Washington 
DC Youth Rugby has grown from a summer-only touch program in Northeast 
DC to sponsoring a tackle program for high school boys and girls at 
Bell Multicultural High School in Columbia Heights. While using rugby 
as a vehicle for social inclusion and youth development, Washington DC 
Youth Rugby is offering flag rugby in over 20 District elementary and 
middle schools in physical education classes and afterschool program.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
thanking the Embassy of Australia for showcasing sports diplomacy in DC 
and making a difference for the youth of our city in terms of health, 
self-esteem, teamwork and social skills development. I would also like 
to thank the coaches, volunteers, donors, partner schools, students, 
parents and alumni of Washington DC Youth Rugby on their steady growth 
and accomplishments over the last 12 years.

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