[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16744]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  IN RECOGNITION OF THE AEGEAN REGATTA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of New York

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2001

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to 
an event that took place on August 18, 2001. Nikos Sifounakis, Minister 
of the Aegean, was the sponsor of Aegean Regatta 2001, an international 
event that highlights the rich culture and history of the Aegean 
islands.
  This event pays tribute to the ancient mariners who first introduced 
Hellenic culture to other parts of the world and honors today's 
international mariners. The Aegean Regatta celebrates the incomparable 
beauty of the area, as well as its remarkable history. The poetry of 
Sappho and Elylis of Mytilini, Seferis of Smyrna and Homer of Chios, 
who derived their inspiration from the natural beauty of the Aegean, 
continues to enchant and enthrall modern readers.
  The Aegean Regatta stands as a testament to the legacy of 
sportsmanship community of this great civilization, a tradition also 
exemplified by the Olympics. Like the Olympics, the Aegean Regatta 
fosters community bonds among people of different countries and 
cultural backgrounds.
  The ancient mariners of the Aegean were known far and wide for their 
skill. Their vessels carried both raw materials and new concepts of 
democracy, vision and hope. Participants in the 2001 Aegean Regatta are 
heirs to the old seafarers. They enjoyed the phenomenal experience of 
sailing the routes traveled by the ancients. The beauty of the Aegean 
is mesmerizing, a beauty connected to the spirit and the soul, forged 
by the waves and sculpted by the wind.
  The Aegean Regatta is not simply a sailing competition. It is an 
international event that continues the maritime tradition, and 
emphasizes two of Greece's most successful ``exports,'' sports and 
culture. This unique event allows mariners of today to pay homage to 
mariners of the past and to carry on an ancient tradition in which 
sailing was a way of life. Sailing enthusiasts from around the world 
participate in the Aegean Regatta, proof of the respect and admiration 
other countries continue to bestow upon this timeless community.
  Many of my constituents attended this event, and as a friend and co-
founder of the Hellenic Caucus, I would like to say that I hope all who 
attended enjoyed a time filled with great sailing and great fun. 
Participants were the recipients of the Aegean's best and most lasting 
prize, the hospitality of island residents.
  I request that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Minister 
of the Aegean, Nikos Sifounakis, and the sailing community for 
participating in this wonderful event. We can all take pride in an 
extraordinary celebration of history and athleticism as well as an 
opportunity to forge new bonds among different people from different 
communities. Islanders, organizers and competitors will have the 
opportunity to join together beneath the Aegean sky in universal 
friendship and understanding.

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