[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7015]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 7015]]


RECOGNIZING THE ROCK AQUA JAYS PARTICIPATION IN THE ``1999 ZEHENG CHANG 
     CUP,'' AMERICAN WATER SKI STAR SHOW & SINO-AMERICAN WATER SKI 
                 COMPETITION IN JIANGSU PROVINCE, CHINA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PAUL RYAN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 1999

  Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the 
remarkable accomplishments of the Rock Aqua Jays, a water ski show team 
from my hometown of Janesville, Wisconsin. The Rock Aqua Jays have been 
source of entertainment and pride for the people of Southern Wisconsin 
for several decades.
  Their membership includes over 210 people ranging in ages from 1 to 
70 years old. The Aqua Jays have won a record 11 U.S. National Show 
Championships titles, placed first or second in every National Show 
Tournament from 1979 through 1997, and hold a record of 5 Triple Crown 
Championships.
  In view of their accomplishments, the Rock Aqua Jays have been 
invited to represent the United States at the ``1999 Zheng Chang Cup,'' 
American Water Ski Star Show & Sino-American Water Ski Competition in 
Jiangsu Province, China.
  The members of the team are scheduled to participate in the 6-day 
program which is scheduled from April 27 through May 2. Show Director 
Tim Cullen and Event Coordinator Gerry Luiting will also be joining 
them for this first ever competition.
  The team will perform a number demanding water ski maneuvers through 
individual and group competitions. It is a credit to their hard work, 
training, and the community support the Rock Aqua Jays' have received, 
that they have been asked to perform at this competition.
  With attendance estimated between 50,000 to 80,000, this will be the 
first American ski show team ever to visit and perform in China. The 
event is sponsored in conjunction with the Chinese Water Ski 
Association and serves as part of a celebration recognizing the 20th 
anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the United 
States.
  Considering the Aqua Jays past successes, I believe their Chinese 
counterparts will have some stiff competition. In the broader scope of 
things, however, I hope this trip to China will be the first of many 
for this talented team.
  It is an honor for anyone to represent their nation abroad and I am 
confident the Aqua Jays will serve our country well. I wish them the 
best luck and hope that they develop many lasting friendships from 
their visit to China. They are a credit to their community and to the 
United States.

                          ____________________