[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 46 (Thursday, March 16, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MISSOURI WHITEWATER 
                             CHAMPIONSHIPS

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. JASON SMITH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 2017

  Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Missouri Whitewater Championships celebrating their 50th year March 17 
through 19, 2017. The races are held at the Millstream Gardens 
Conservation Area of the Saint Francis River near Fredericktown, 
Missouri.
  The Championships continue a tradition begun in 1968, when the first 
Saint Francis River Whitewater Slalom Race was held. Since then, the 
event has expanded its scope and attracts beginners and seasoned 
competitors from other states and countries. Even Olympic-class 
paddlers have used this race as training preparation for future Olympic 
Games.
  The event first begun by the Meramec River Canoe Club is now hosted 
by the Missouri Whitewater Association. It comes together as 100 
volunteers set up the race course, provide safety, judge, time, and 
score the participants while hundreds of spectators cheer.
  For providing sportsmen with the thrill of competition on the Saint 
Francis River for half a century and enhancing tourism for Madison and 
surrounding counties through its annual Whitewater Championships, I am 
happy to congratulate the Missouri Whitewater Association today before 
the United States House of Representatives.

                          ____________________