[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12757]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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  RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FINALS RODEO IN FARMINGTON, NM

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I rise to recognize the Tres Rios 
High School Rodeo Association, which will soon host the 2002 National 
High School Finals Rodeo in Farmington, NM. The association, formed in 
cooperation with San Juan County and the cities of Farmington, Aztec, 
and Bloomfield, is rolling out the welcome mat for all to visit the 
beautiful Four Corners area of New Mexico for the July 22-28 
competition.
  I join in welcoming the thousands of student athletes and spectators 
who will descend on Farmington to celebrate the athleticism associated 
with the rodeo competitions. Farmington, a burgeoning city that has 
already proven itself as an excellent host for sporting events with the 
annual Connie Mack World Series tournament, will be a wonderful setting 
for this rodeo. The Tres Rios High School Rodeo Association knows it is 
in a national spotlight for showcasing a richly blessed, multi-cultural 
region that has been cherished since the dawn of the ancient Anasazi 
and Navajo cultures.
  Just last month, I had the pleasure of meeting with students from San 
Juan County who briefed me on their work to host this national 
competition. Their enthusiasm and excitement was contagious, and I 
share in their anticipation for hosting the rodeo in northwest New 
Mexico. This is a great opportunity for the youth in the area to 
showcase their talents, and an excellent chance to boost the Four 
Corners area economy.
  This year's competition is a continuation of a tradition begun in 
1949 in Halletsville, TX, with the first National Championship Rodeo. 
That contest laid the foundation for what became the National 
Championship High School Rodeo Association. New Mexico was one of the 
first five charter members. Subsequently, in 1961, this association was 
incorporated into the National High School Rodeo Association and 
included 20 states. Today, they have grown to include 39 States and two 
foreign countries.
  Every year, the National High School Rodeo Association holds a 
National High School Finals Rodeo. New Mexico has been the proud host 
of three previous finals, and is proudly hosting the 2002 and 2003 
competitions at the San Juan County Fairgrounds.
  The National High School Rodeo Association serves to challenge high 
school students to keep alive a rich tradition of Western life through 
rodeo competitions. By providing a competitive environment, 
participants learn the spirit of sportsmanship and grow as individuals. 
In addition, participation in the association promotes student 
achievement and provides opportunities for college scholarships and 
further professional development. I believe their efforts at furthering 
student education bodes well for the association, and I applaud them 
for impacting young lives in such a positive manner.
  Being selected as a host site is an honor, and I commend the Tres 
Rios High School Rodeo Association, San Juan County, the cities of 
Farmington, Aztec and Bloomfield, and everyone associated with the 
event for their efforts to prepare for the National High School Finals 
Rodeo. I wish all participants in the rodeo the best of luck.

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