[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21585]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE ORANGE 9-10 GIRLS SOFTBALL TEAM ON THEIR STATE 
                              CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 9, 2003

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and excitement that 
I rise today to extend my sincere congratulations to the Orange 9-10 
Girls Softball Team who recently won their second consecutive State 
Championship title. I am certainly proud to stand with the Orange 
community in saluting these youngsters on this tremendous 
accomplishment.
  For too long young women were often discouraged from participating in 
sports. It has only been in the last decade that women's sports have 
exploded onto the national stage. With the continued and increasing 
interest in women's collegiate and professional teams, so many 
opportunities are opening up for our young people.
  This team of fourteen girls worked hard and played well--enjoying an 
extraordinary season. More importantly, they have learned one of life's 
most valuable lessons--teamwork. Softball, like all sports, teaches us 
the value of team work, practice, camaraderie, and commitment to 
excellence. These skills will serve these young people well as they 
begin to make a difference in the world. Working together, they have 
already accomplished so much and who knows--perhaps the next Lisa 
Fernandez or Christa Williams is among them. I have every confidence 
that they will enjoy great success in all of their future endeavors.
  I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to extend my 
thanks and congratulations to some very special parents. It is with 
great pleasure that I also recognize Coaches Ken Slowik, Bruce Post, 
and Bill McNeil--all of whom have worked hard to give these young 
people the chance to play. Without their efforts, the success of the 
team would not have been possible.
  This evening, as they celebrate their victory, I would again extend 
my heart-felt congratulations to these youngsters as well as my very 
best wishes for continued success. I am thrilled to join the Orange 
community in recognizing this outstanding accomplishment and only wish 
that I could share in tonight's festivities. You have made us all 
proud.

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