[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 58 (Wednesday, April 3, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S2229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO SEDAT ACTON

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, today it is my privilege to pay tribute 
to a Louisville, KY, legend, who is simply known as the Handstand Man. 
Like so many other University of Louisville Cardinals fans, I have 
vivid memories of cheering on our men's basketball team at Freedom 
Hall. During high-profile games, when the tension reached its peak, the 
eyes of every Cardinal would look upward gazing upon the gymnastic 
feats of Sedat Acton.
  When the team and the crowd most needed his particular form of 
inspiration, Sedat would leave his seat and head toward a railing on 
the second level. As the officials blew their whistles for a timeout, 
Sedat would lift his body off the ground into an impressive handstand, 
dozens of feet above the arena's floor. Then, as the fans cheered, he 
would stretch out his legs under his torso into an L.
  For so many Cardinals fans, Sedat's iconic handstand became an 
essential part of the basketball game experience, but for this fan in 
particular, his story holds even greater significance.
  Like me, Sedat contracted polio at an early age. As a child in 
Turkey, he endured bullying because of the disease's lasting effects. 
Sedat would walk the beaches and watch groups of acrobats. He was 
inspired by their skills and became determined to use gymnastics to 
gain his own strength, fend off bullies, and prove he had defeated the 
terrible disease.
  Under the caring and watchful eye of my mother, I was able to 
eventually get back on my feet. By practicing the gymnastics exercises 
he saw on the beach, Sedat overcame the disease as well. Then, as a 
teenager, he joined a professional acrobatics club in Switzerland. 
Sedat performed around Europe for years and showcased his tremendous 
strength.
  In his early 20s, Sedat came to Louisville to live with his sister. 
Joining a local gymnastics squad at the YMCA on 3rd and Broadway, they 
performed with the cheerleaders at halftime during UofL men's 
basketball games. Over the years, Sedat could be found performing 
during several Cardinals' basketball and football games and even for 
the Kentucky Colonels.
  Around 1980, he began a new type of act. This time, he was in the 
stands, where he earned the title of Handstand Man. His daring stunt 
provoked shocks and cheers from those below as he renewed the crowd's 
enthusiasm and inspired the players.
  Over the next 30 years, Sedat's handstands became a regular part of 
Cardinals' basketball. I remember attending many of those games, and 
right when we needed it most, we would look to the rafters to see 
Sedat. He provided a much-needed thrill, helping cheer on the Cards 
during important games, and eventually to win conference tournaments 
and even the NCAA national championship.
  Sedat's last performance at a UofL game was in 2009, but his 
legendary status among the people of Louisville remains. A local 
celebrity, Sedat is frequently recognized for his years of passion for 
the Cardinals. Now at the age of 74, he remains as dedicated a fan as 
ever.
  Last year, Sedat and his family celebrated the 50th anniversary of 
his arrival in the United States. He speaks with such pride for the 
blessings of this great country and for the opportunities he has 
received here. One of Sedat's prized possessions is a decades-old 
American flag. Throughout the years, he turned down many opportunities 
to leave Kentucky because he loves the city of Louisville, its people, 
and is so proud to call it home.
  It wasn't that long ago that polio represented a real crisis. Through 
the concentrated efforts of many, the number of polio cases worldwide 
has plummeted dramatically. Thankfully, we are close to eliminating 
this disease for good.
  I am grateful for the chance to honor Sedat's remarkable life today, 
With his wife of 40 years, Teresa, their three children, and their 
growing family, Sedat is fulfilling the American dream. As the 
Louisville Cardinals look forward to the beginning of the next 
basketball season, I know my Senate colleagues will join me in 
congratulating Sedat Acton on his lifetime of accomplishments.

                          ____________________