[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 129 (Tuesday, July 30, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1018]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING DIANE VANDERKOOY FOR BEING SELECTED TO BE PART OF THE LAW 
       ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN AT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 30, 2019

  Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Diane VanderKooy, of 
Chatham, Illinois, for participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run 
at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.
  Diane began her involvement with the Special Olympics in 1990. Since 
then, Diane has put her heart and soul into the games. VanderKooy plays 
a major role in coordinating the Gillespie to Bloomington leg of the 
Law Enforcement Torch Run in Illinois. This was Diane's first time at 
the World Games, as she joined a team of 112 members who took part in 
the torch run throughout the United Arab Emirates.
  Diane has dedicated her life to ensuring that people have a fun and 
safe environment to participate in whichever sport they desire. Not 
only is VanderKooy deeply involved with the Special Olympics, but she 
is also the Athletic Director for the Chatham Chargers. Diane was 
recently recognized by the Village of Chatham for her service to the 
village and community with an honorary designation of a local roadway 
as ``Diane VanderKooy Volunteer Drive.'' Diane's work proves that 
athletics can have a positive and meaningful impact on people from all 
walks of life.
  Again, I would like to commend Diane VanderKooy for her continued 
service in the community, and for participating in the Law Enforcement 
Torch Run at the Special Olympics World Games.

                          ____________________