[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 123 (Thursday, July 20, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF ANTHONY COLACCHIO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 20, 2017

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sincere recognition of 
Anthony Colacchio and his commendable dedication in starting a 
wheelchair curling program at the Cape Cod Curling Club, as well as his 
dedication to serving wheelchair athletes.
  Anthony has always been passionate about volunteering his time, 
money, and efforts to helping those who are differently-abled. He is a 
nationally-certified wheelchair trainer, has convinced the Grand 
National Curling Committee to set aside money to assist wheelchair 
curlers, accompanied the United States Paralympic Team to the 
Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia in 2014, and will be accompanying the 
team again during the 2018 Games in Pyeong Chang, South Korea. Anthony 
and his wife, Mary, have also been invaluable in the ongoing expansion 
to make the Cape Cod Curling Club in Falmouth, Massachusetts handicap 
accessible.
  Anthony's renowned work with the wheelchair curling community has 
roots much closer to home. After seeing his brother, who was in a 
wheelchair, sidelined from sport, Anthony saw curling as a golden 
opportunity to bring together all athletes in a common arena as equals. 
Anthony's work has come with sacrifice--dedicating so much of his time 
to the sport, he has missed special occasions with family but they have 
remained supportive throughout his tireless work.
  Anthony's volunteerism does not end at the edge of the ice. He is 
involved in Neighborhood Falmouth, a local chapter of a national 
movement that promotes community residence for older Americans. Anthony 
regularly takes seniors to their doctors' appointments, providing vital 
transportation so they can access the health services they need. 
Additionally, he is on the board of directors for USS Donner Reunion, 
an organization that provides information and holds reunions for former 
shipmates of the USS Donner, a dock landing ship that served in the 
U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1970.
  Anthony and Mary host an annual banquet in July known as the 
International Bonspiel. This year marks the 48th year of the banquet, 
and attendees will include veterans of the wheelchair curling community 
from South Korea, Slovakia, Canada, and the United States. Anthony's 
selfless commitment to both wheelchair athletes and the sport of 
curling has touched innumerable lives in the United States and around 
the world. For these efforts he is being recognized this year at the 
Bonspiel dinner.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Anthony Colacchio for his dedication 
to the sport of curling and creating an equal playing field for people 
of all abilities. I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking him for 
his work and wishing him all the best as he continues his important 
efforts.

                          ____________________