[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 1, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DESARAE NICKELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HAROLD ROGERS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2025

  Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor DesaRae 
Nickell of Morehead, Kentucky who is two-time medalist in the Special 
Olympics after her champion-level performance in the winter games in 
Italy.
  DesaRae recently won the prestigious gold medal in the the Super G 
snow skiing event and a bronze medal in the Giant Slalom.
  It is nearly every competitive athlete's dream to stand at the top of 
an Olympic awards podium, as a champion representing the United States 
of America. I am incredibly proud that DesaRae Nickell is not only from 
Kentucky, but a mountain athlete from Kentucky's Appalachian region, 
who has overcome a rare genetic disorder to achieve greatness. Rather 
than allowing her disorder to obstruct her dreams, she has used it to 
empower her determination to learn new skills and to advocate for those 
with special needs to follow her lead. In fact, she helped initiate a 
proclamation designating March 29 as ``3q29 Deletion and Duplication 
Awareness Day'' Her courage of conviction to uplift and support others 
with special needs, is the mark of a true champion.
  In 2023, DesaRae also earned a gold medal in the NASTAR National 
Champion Alpine Ski Competition, but her achievements are not limited 
to the ski slopes. She also previously earned a black belt in karate 
and was crowned the Kentucky Miss Amazing and Senior Miss Queen at a 
regional pageant in Indianapolis. The resiliency and fortitude that 
DesaRae Nickell continues to display throughout her life, should serve 
as an inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________