[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25349]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   SALUTE TO THE KANSAS CITY WIZARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 2000

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my 
congratulations to the Kansas City Wizards and owner Lamar Hunt for 
their 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer's 2000 
championship game on Sunday, October 15. The Wizards are a testament to 
the perseverance of hard work and determination in athletics. Their 
drive and resolve produced the best season in the Kansas City Wizard's 
six year history.
  Goalkeeper Tony Meola and veteran players Uche Okafor, Mo Johnston, 
and Preki capped their stellar season with Major League Soccer's 
ultimate glory, giving loyal Kansas City fans their first Major League 
Soccer title. The Wizards' fluid teamwork and appreciation for the game 
were best exemplified by the unselfish style of play that spearheaded 
their drive towards the trophy. By foregoing individual statistics, the 
players came together under one common goal and achieved it in 
championship fashion.
  In addition to their Major League Soccer championship trophy, seven 
proud Wizards players were selected to join the U.S. National team for 
an October 25 exhibition match against Mexico Rookie defender Nick 
Garcia joined fellow defender Brandon Prideaux, midfielders Kerry 
Zavagnin, Matt McKeon, Chris Henderson and Chris Klein, and goalkeeper 
Tony Meola in Los Angeles to lead the United States to a 2-0 win over 
the Mexican national team. Congratulations to the Wizard Members and to 
the entire U.S. national team for an inspiring victory.
  The MLS trophy has special meaning for Wizards' owner Lamar Hunt, who 
has long been a champion of soccer in the United States. Major League 
Soccer is now the fastest growing American sport, and its popularity in 
Kansas City is a credit to Mr. Hunt and his commitment to its success. 
Mr. Hunt's great admiration for his players was noted after the game 
when he stated proudly that, ``These are pages of a memory book that 
these players will never forget.''
  The Wizards weekly youth programs have given thousands of children in 
the Kansas City area the opportunity to meet and interact with the 
athletes they admire. Young athletes receive fundamental training by a 
member of the Wizards. These programs provide positive reinforcement 
for youth on and off the field. Since the inception of these programs 
in 1995, Kansas City youth soccer has doubled in player participation 
among our youth.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in saluting the Kansas City Wizards for 
the winning example they've provided to the young athletes of Kansas 
City, and for their inspired Major League Soccer championship season 
and U.S. National Team success. The Wizards embody the principles of 
teamwork essential for success. I ask the House to join me in 
Congratulating the Kansas City Wizards, Major League Soccer's 2000 
champions and their owner, Mr. Lamar Hunt.

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