[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19847]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CELEBRATING THE 14TH EDITION OF PAN-AMERICAN GAMES IN THE DOMINICAN 
                                REPUBLIC

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2003

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 14th 
edition of the Pan-American Games, this year to be held in Santo 
Domingo Dominican Republic, from August 1st to August 17th.
  Since 1951, the games have carried the Olympic spirit of trying to 
build and strengthen international cooperation through friendly, but no 
less intense, competition between the countries of the Western 
Hemisphere. In a time when we are engaged in a global struggle against 
terrorism, poverty and disease, the sight of some of the region's best 
athletes coming and sharing the same stage peacefully gives the world 
hope that our current struggles are just a prologue to better days.
  This year's games are also a source of pride to Dominicans all over 
the world, especially those who live in my district's neighborhood of 
Washington Heights. While putting on an event of such magnitude is a 
challenge for any nation, there is no doubt in my mind that the world 
will be treated to a world-class celebration full of the best of 
Dominican culture. It is also a chance to sow the seeds of future 
economic development by showing the world that any stage can shine 
brightly from Santo Domingo.
  So it is with great enthusiasm that I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating all the participants and organizers in advance for all 
their achievements and hard work. Let us hope that the Pan-American 
Games' motto, loosely translated as ``The American spirit of friendship 
through sports,'' not only lasts beyond these two weeks in August, but 
also extends beyond sports and the island of Hispanola into the hearts 
of all of the world's citizens.

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