[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 249]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




THE ANSONIA POP WARNER JUNIOR PEEWEE CHEERLEADERS ON THEIR TRIP TO THE 
                         NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 2003

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest pride that I rise 
today to extend my sincere congratulations and very best wishes to the 
Ansonia Pop Warner Junior PeeWee Cheerleaders as they make their way to 
Orlando, Florida to compete in the National Championships. The Junior 
PeeWee Cheerleaders join the Ansonia Coppers Midget Football team who 
are also in Orlando for their National Championship game. The Ansonia 
community certainly has cause for celebration with the tremendous 
accomplishments of these young people.
  A squad of eighteen girls between the ages of eight and ten, the 
Ansonia Junior PeeWee Cheerleaders have worked very hard over the last 
several months to be able to compete in this year's competitions. 
Coming together in August, the girls practiced for two hours four 
nights a week and, after the start of the school year, three nights a 
week. This fall, the squad was able to perform live, cheering for the 
Ansonia Coppers every Sunday.
  The dedication and commitment these girls have demonstrated is truly 
inspiring. They have worked so hard to master the required high-level 
tumbling skills and the necessary symmetry of their movements. The 
girls haven't missed a beat, even when, during the regional 
competition, a judge accidently stopped their music halfway through 
their routine. In Orlando, the girls will face seventeen other teams. 
They should certainly be very proud of what they have already been able 
to accomplish and I have no doubt that they will represent Ansonia and 
Connecticut well in the Championships.
  I am also pleased to recognize Judy Banks, a Pop Warner cheerleading 
coach for thirteen years, who has worked with the girls since August of 
this year. Her leadership and energy has been the driving force behind 
the success of the Ansonia Junior PeeWee Cheerleaders. In addition, I 
would also extend a note of thanks and appreciation to the parents and 
volunteers whose support has enabled the girls to practice and travel 
for their competitions. Without their efforts, the success of the 
Ansonia Junior PeeWee Cheerleaders would not be possible.
  I am thrilled to join the Ansonia community in extending my sincere 
congratulations and very best wishes to the Ansonia Pop Warner Junior 
PeeWee Cheerleaders as they head to their National Championship 
competition. I, as well as the entire community, will be rooting for 
you! Win or lose, you have made us very proud!

                          ____________________