[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19718]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE ORANGE LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL TEAM ON THEIR TRIP TO 
              THE 2005 LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2005

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and my sincere 
congratulations that I rise today to join the community of Orange, 
Connecticut to celebrate the achievements of the Orange Little League 
All-Star Softball Team. The team and their coaches recently returned 
from Portland, Oregon where they went to the Championship game in the 
2005 Little League Softball World Series. Though they did not win their 
final game, they represented Orange and the State of Connecticut well 
and I am honored to have this opportunity to extend my sincere 
congratulations to them for this wonderful effort!
  The Orange All-Star Softball Team, made up of eleven- and twelve-
year-old girls, were undefeated and won the State Championship for the 
opportunity to play in the World Series. Throughout their regular 
season, the girls not only defeated every challenger they faced, but, 
more importantly, they learned one of life's most valuable lessons--
teamwork. Softball, like all sports, teaches us the value of teamwork, 
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. I have 
no doubt that each of these young women will enjoy great success in all 
of their future endeavors.
  At only eleven and twelve years old, each of these girls has 
demonstrated remarkable talent and a unique passion for the game. 
However, it has been under the guidance of their coaches that their 
skills have been developed and sharpened. It is with great pleasure 
that I also recognize Ken Slowik and the entire coaching staff--all of 
whom have worked hard to give these young people the chance to play! 
Without their efforts, the success of the Orange All-Stars would not be 
possible.
  It was wonderful to see the Orange community come together in support 
of these young women and today's parade is yet another example of the 
excitement and enthusiasm that this community and its residents have 
shown the Orange Little League All-Star Softball Team. I am honored to 
stand with them today in extending my sincere congratulations to you 
for your outstanding team work and on your first-rate season. Win or 
lose, you have made us all proud!

                          ____________________