[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13287]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR OF THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF IRRELEVANT WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHRISTOPHER COX

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 20, 2005

  Mr. COX. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Andy Stokes, 
this year's 255th National Football League draft pick. The final pick 
of the NFL draft is a position of tremendous honor in my hometown of 
Newport Beach, California. For the past 30 years, the NFL Underdog has 
been treated to a week-long celebration in his honor. This annual 
tradition of Irrelevant Week was founded by my friend Paul Salata as an 
occasion for ``Doing Something Nice For No Reason.'' Irrelevant Week 
XXX, which commences today, will celebrate ``Mr. Irrelevant'' Andy 
Stokes, a tight end from William Penn University in Iowa, who was 
chosen by the New England Patriots as the final pick in the 2005 NFL 
draft.
  Though Andy Stokes may have been the final pick for the Patriots, the 
St. George, Utah native will be number one in Newport Beach as we use 
this occasion to celebrate the NFL Underdog and to recognize all former 
``Mr. Irrelevants'' from the past three decades. Among the highlighted 
events for Irrelevant Week XXX are a welcoming party, grand banquet, 
and activities at various Southern California resorts. The fun and 
games will include a football game with Mickey and Goofy at Disneyland, 
a tailgate party at Angel Stadium before the Angels vs. Dodgers 
baseball game, and a visit to Hollywood Park with other NFL alumni for 
a day of horse racing action.
  This special anniversary Irrelevant Week also serves as an 
opportunity to pay tribute to its 30 years of service to our community. 
Though Irrelevant Week is a lighthearted affair, over the years it has 
helped to raise over one million dollars for charities that help youth 
in both the academic and athletic arenas. This year, at the behest of 
Newport Beach Fire Chief Tim Riley, who serves on the Irrelevant Week 
steering committee, Irrelevant Week will be sending 15 to 20 children 
to special camps designed to lend emotional support and friendship to 
child burn survivors. Other beneficiaries of Irrelevant Week XXX 
include Costa Mesa United and Orangewood Children's Home.
  Irrelevant Week has long been recognized by the NFL, ESPN and others 
in the sports world because it is a celebration of the underdog. 
Moreover, Irrelevant Week provides an opportunity for sharing community 
spirit and providing support for children in need. On behalf of the 
United States House of Representatives, I would like to commend Paul 
Salata and his family for founding and carrying on the tradition of 
Irrelevant Week for the past 30 years. I also ask my colleagues to join 
me today in congratulating Andy Stokes on his selection as ``Mr. 
Irrelevant'' and wishing him the very best for a long and successful 
career in the National Football League.

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