[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 17639]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST ANDRE WARD

  (Ms. LEE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a deep sense of pride to 
honor the outstanding achievements of Olympic boxer Andre Ward of 
Oakland, California. Andre won the gold medal in the light heavyweight 
boxing final in the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, making 
him Oakland's first Olympic gold medalist since 1968.
  Andre began boxing at the age of 9. After learning the basics of 
boxing from his father, Andre began training with his godfather and 
current coach, Virgil Hunter. Within one year, Andre won his first 
tournament, and at age 14 began a winning streak that spanned 6 years 
and roughly 90 fights. During that time, Andre would go on to win two 
U.S. national championships along with several other major national 
tournaments.
  The residents of the Ninth Congressional District of California, the 
entire State of California, and our Nation commend Andre Ward, not only 
for these extraordinary achievements, but also for the dedication and 
the perseverance he has demonstrated in working towards his goals. His 
commitment and determination have made it possible for him to realize 
this dream of winning an Olympic gold medal, and his success is truly 
an inspiration to all of us. We salute this phenomenal young man.

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