[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 179 (Friday, November 18, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1170-E1171]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING IOWA SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES AS IOWANS OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2022

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the nearly 30 
athletes from Iowa's Third Congressional District who are proudly 
representing our state as they compete at the 2022 Special Olympics USA 
Games in Orlando this week. I ask the House of Representatives to join 
me in honoring these individuals as our Iowans of the Week.
  This year's USA Games will bring together more than 5,500 athletes 
and coaches from across all 50 states and the Caribbean. Iowa's Special 
Olympics athletes are competing in 11 of the 19 Olympic-type sports 
offered, including track & field, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, 
equestrian, flag football, golf, intercollegiate unified basketball, 
power lifting, swimming, and tennis. Some have been competing for a few 
years and others have been competing for decades.
  Their skills are many, their accomplishments commendable, and they've 
worked hard to get to this level of competition. These Iowans have many 
reasons to shine. In alphabetical order by last name, they are:
  Brandon Baier of Atlantic--Athletics
  Isaac Baldus of Indianola--Powerlifting
  Dustin Burke of Des Moines--Cheerleading
  Kaitlin Colwell of Waukee--Swimming
  Patrick Cunningham of West Des Moines--Swimming
  Daniel Custis of Des Moines--Cheerleading
  Tomi DeGrado of West Des Moines--Athletics
  John Flannery of West Des Moines--Athletics
  Alexandria Fountain of Des Moines--Athletics
  Patrick Gulbranson of Stuart--Bowling
  Keen Harvey of Waukee--Swimming
  Matthew Johnson of Clive--Bocce
  Ian Kastner of Des Moines--Cheerleading
  Abbie Kliegl of Prole--Equestrian
  Tyler Leech of Des Moines--Bowling
  Emily Mulder of Des Moines--Cheerleading
  Leon Nguyen of Des Moines--Cheerleading
  Brian Rolek of West Des Moines--Unified Golf
  Jody Sheriff of Greenfield--Bowling
  Jill Southworth of West Des Moines--Golf
  Teddy Velman of Des Moines--Cheerleading
  Jacob Whack of Des Moines--Youth Leadership Experience
  Emily White of Johnston--Swimming
  The athletes cited many reasons they were looking forward to the 
annual event. Some said they were excited to test their skills, have 
fun, be part of a team, go for gold, and explore Disney World. Over and 
over again, the athletes said they were looking forward to meeting new 
people and making new friends.
  Since 1968, Special Olympics Iowa (SOIA) has provided quality games 
and competitions for children and adults with intellectual 
disabilities. Today SOIA serves more than 16,500 athletes and Unified 
partners from across the state and provides year-round sports training 
and athletic competition in 23 Olympic-type sports.
  Participation in Special Olympics programs and competitions offers 
people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to improve their 
physical fitness, learn new skills, experience greater self-confidence, 
and a more positive self-image, foster lifelong friendships, and 
connect with the community. The skills they learn through these 
experiences help them find greater success and fulfillment in their 
daily lives at home, at work, at school, and beyond.
  Special Olympics Iowa lifts up our neighbors through the joy of play, 
the transformative power of sports, the richness of connection, and the 
fulfillment that comes from personal growth and accomplishment. It's an 
important organization in our state and one deserving of recognition 
for the positive impact it has on so many individuals and families.
  The World Health Organization states that up to three percent of the 
world's population have intellectual disabilities. At roughly 200 
million people, that is the largest disability population in the world. 
Special Olympics also

[[Page E1171]]

reminds us, ``Intellectual disabilities know no boundaries. It cuts 
across the lines of racial, ethnic, education, social, and economic 
backgrounds, and it can occur in any family.''
  As we celebrate the dedication and achievements of these Special 
Olympics athletes, let us continue in our shared efforts to build a 
more inclusive Iowa today and for future generations. I applaud our 
delegation of athletes and am proud they are representing our great 
state in this year's Special Olympics USA Games. I am happy to name 
them as Iowans of the Week.

                          ____________________