[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15333]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   SPECIAL OLYMPICS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2008

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate Special Olympics for 40 years of extraordinary service to 
individuals with intellectual disabilities.
  Beyond giving 2.5 million athletes a chance to compete, it gives 
their families a way to involve their sons, daughters, brothers and 
sisters. A chance for them to cheer. A chance to coach. A chance to 
connect in a special way. A chance to see their family member be 
accepted and respected in their communities.
  Originally an initiative of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the first Special 
Olympic Games were held on July 20, 1968 at Soldier Field in Chicago, 
Illinois. Participation in Special Olympics develops improved physical 
fitness and motor skills, greater self confidence and a more positive 
self image. Through competitions like power lifting, cycling, track and 
field, aquatics, tennis and gymnastics, athletes exhibit endless 
courage and enthusiasm and enjoy the rewards of friendship.
  Last month I had the great privilege of addressing the athletes, 
fans, and families during the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics 
Kansas 2008 Summer Games in Wichita. This year's Summer Games theme was 
``Be a Fan of Courage.'' This theme reflects the sentiments of the 
athlete oath, ``Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the 
attempt.'' These words were uttered by gladiators in ancient Rome, and 
are equally appropriate for modern-day gladiators overcoming their own 
adversities.
  After 40 years, there are now millions of stories of courage in the 
Special Olympics, but one athlete who has taken the oath and that 
embodies this year's theme is LP Esquibel from Dodge City, Kansas. He 
is more than a fan of courage. He is courageous and because of his 
courage he was awarded the Most Inspirational Athlete award at the 
Summer Games this year. Cerebral palsy kept him from walking until he 
was 5 years old, but it has not kept him from becoming a 13-year 
veteran of the Special Olympics. It also has not kept a smile from his 
face. From all accounts, LP is more than a great athlete in his events 
of basketball, shot put, and the 100-yard walk, he is an encouragement 
to his fellow teammates and helps them on the court.
  It is stories like LP's that has sold me on the power and benefits of 
the Special Olympics. Since 2007, I have served as the Honorary 
Chairman for the Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run. The Torch Run covers 
hundreds of miles throughout the State and raises thousands of dollars 
in support of Special Olympics Kansas programs. This year-round 
fundraiser and awareness initiative was implemented by Wichita Police 
Chief Richard LaMunyon in 1981. It became an international event three 
years later in 1984 when Chief LaMunyon presented it to the 
International Association of Chiefs of Police. The Law Enforcement 
Torch Run is now the largest grass-roots fundraiser and public 
awareness vehicle for Special Olympics around the world.
  It was an honor to help raise money this past summer to help send 
Kansas athletes to compete in China at the World Olympics. I enjoyed 
meeting them and hearing of their success.
  Special Olympics does remarkable work, both in the State of Kansas 
and across the globe. I would like to commend the leaders and 
volunteers of Special Olympics for 40 years of outstanding service and 
wish them continued success in the future.

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