[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15627]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                      SPECIAL OLYMPICS ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Special Olympics on the anniversary of their first games, held in 
Chicago on July 20, 1968. With the motto ``Let me win, but if I cannot 
win let me be brave in the attempt,'' Special Olympics has for more 
than 20 years been providing challenges and opportunities for 
individuals with mental retardation.
  I want to take this opportunity to commend the numerous ways Special 
Olympics helps not only the athletes who participate, but also their 
families and friends and the many volunteers who have made the program 
such a success.
  Special Olympics plays an important role in the lives of many of the 
mentally challenged throughout the world, including my home state of 
Minnesota. Since the start of Special Olympics, the organization has 
grown to include more than 1.7 million athletes worldwide, with 3,300 
in Minnesota.
  Special Olympians compete in a variety of events at all skill levels. 
Competitions in events such as basketball, golf, figure skating, and 
gymnastics enhance the lives of all participants and the families who 
root for them from the stands. These athletes start training as early 
as age six, with some participants in Minnesota competing into their 
sixties. Special Olympics athletes can compete in as many events as 
they choose.
  Not only does Special Olympics hold annual competitions, but the 
organization helps participants train year round for their events. This 
encourages Special Olympic participants to develop physical fitness and 
generally helps improve their quality of life.
  The Special Olympics would not be possible without the devoted 
volunteers who lend their time and effort to this worthwhile cause. 
There are over 1,700 volunteers in Minnesota who serve as coaches, 
officials, teachers, and in other capacities. I want to thank all who 
take time out of their schedule to volunteer through Special Olympics.
  Mr. President, it is an honor to be able to recognize the 
accomplishments of the Minnesotans involved in Special Olympics. This 
organization deserves recognition for all they do and the positive 
impact they have on the lives of our Special Olympians.

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