[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 18872-18873]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS COLLEGE OF THE UNITED 
                                 STATES

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TODD RUSSELL PLATTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 21, 2004

  Mr. PLATTS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the International 
Martial Arts College of the United States, founded in Pennsylvania's 
19th Congressional District.
  The original International Martial Arts College (IMAC) was created in 
1993 in St. Petersburg, Russia with a mission of bringing countries 
together to promote peace and cross cultural exchange through the 
universal medium of athletics. Over the last 11 years, competitions 
sponsored by IMAC have grown from several hundred participants to the 
largest competition in the world.
  When IMAC sought a team from the United States, Master Tony Abel of 
York, Pennsylvania became the coach and team Captain and remains in 
both capacities today. Recognizing the importance of the United States 
role

[[Page 18873]]

as ambassadors, an international tournament was held in York in 1995 
and attended by many countries. Master Abel also officially formed a 
Board of Directors for the United States chapter of IMAC that same 
year.
  To this day, international competition through IMAC continues, 
benefiting not only the participants but also helping to break down the 
barriers of culture and language. IMAC anticipates a future role in the 
Olympics where representatives, including residents of my District, 
will be able to compete. I wish them well in the years ahead, and I 
applaud their devotion to their sport and to international goodwill.

                          ____________________