[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 17079-17081]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS' 40TH ANNIVERSARY

  Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 1279) recognizing the Special Olympics' 40th 
anniversary.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1279

       Whereas Eunice Kennedy Shriver organized the first 
     international Special Olympics Summer Games, which were held 
     on July 20, 1968, in Chicago's Soldier Field;
       Whereas the Special Olympics World Games are held every 4 
     years;
       Whereas the Special Olympics oath is ``Let me win, but if I 
     cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.'', which was 
     originally spoken by gladiators entering the arena in ancient 
     Rome;
       Whereas the Special Olympics is dedicated to empowering 
     individuals with intellectual disabilities to become 
     physically fit, productive, and respected members of society 
     through sports training and competition;
       Whereas the Special Olympics currently serves 2,500,000 
     people with intellectual disabilities in more than 200 
     programs in over 180 countries;
       Whereas the Special Olympics currently has 700,000 
     volunteers and 500,000 coaches worldwide;
       Whereas the Special Olympics programs offer year-round 
     training and competition in 30 Olympic-type sports for both 
     winter and summer;
       Whereas at every Special Olympics awards ceremony, in 
     addition to the traditional medals for first, second, and 
     third places, athletes from fourth to last are presented a 
     suitable place ribbon with appropriate ceremony;
       Whereas the Special Olympics events are open to all 
     intellectually disabled peoples that are above the age of 8 
     regardless of the degree of their disability;
       Whereas the Special Olympics was officially recognized by 
     the International Olympics Committee in February 1988 and is 
     the only organization authorized by the International 
     Olympics Committee to use the word ``Olympics'' worldwide;
       Whereas the Flame of Hope is a symbol of the Special 
     Olympics World Games and is lit in a special ceremony in 
     Athens, Greece;
       Whereas the Law Enforcement Torch Run is a multinational 
     fundraising campaign for the Special Olympics programs in 
     which the Flame of Hope is run by law enforcement officers to 
     raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics;
       Whereas the cities of Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska will be 
     hosts to the Special Olympics in July 2010; and
       Whereas the Special Olympics provides its athletes 
     continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, 
     demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a 
     sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, 
     other Special Olympics athletes, and the community: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates 
     the Special Olympics on its 40th anniversary for the 
     contributions and opportunities it provides to all its 
     participants.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Berman) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Terry) for putting forward a very important resolution 
which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Special Olympics and 
recognizes the lifelong achievements of one of America's great 
champions of compassion, Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
  Mrs. Shriver's leadership in the worldwide effort to improve and 
enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities is 
unparalleled. Her work led to the creation of the Presidential 
Committee on Mental Retardation in the Kennedy administration. She also 
organized the first International Special Olympics Summer Games on July 
20, 1968 in Chicago's Soldier Field. Since that day, Mrs. Shriver has 
built the Special Olympics into an organization with global reach which 
has enriched the lives of 2,500,000 athletes with intellectual 
disabilities in over 180 countries.
  The Special World Games, like the Summer and Winter Olympics, are 
held every 4 years. And since 1988, they have been officially 
recognized by the International Olympic Committee. They are dedicated 
to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities. These 
contests allow Special Olympians to enjoy the thrill of competition, to 
develop sportsmanship, self-esteem, and fellowship.
  The oath of the Special Olympians is, ``Let me win. But if I cannot 
win, let me be brave in the attempt.'' The Special Olympians are indeed 
brave. I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I would first like to also commend the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. 
Terry) for his leadership and his offering this particular resolution, 
and I also rise to support this resolution, H. Res. 1279, which 
recognizes the Special Olympics on its 40th anniversary.
  On July 20, 1968, as was mentioned, Eunice Kennedy Shriver organized 
the first Special Olympic Summer Games, which took place at Soldier 
Field in Chicago. Since then, the Special Olympics has become one of 
the most prominent and celebrated sporting programs in the entire 
world. The Special Olympics today serves more than 2\1/2\ million 
people with intellectual disabilities.
  These inspirational athletes work with more than 1 million volunteers 
and coaches worldwide, training year round for competition in both 
Summer and Winter Games. In more than 200 countries, the Special 
Olympics has shown that intellectual disabilities are no impediment to 
fun and healthy athletic competition. These athletes are supported by 
more than 18,000 dedicated volunteers.
  In my own State, Special Olympics Ohio has approximately 200 local 
member organizations and over 18,000 athletes who are in training and 
competition. These organizations originate from county boards of MR/DD, 
public schools, developmental centers, parks and recreation 
departments, churches, and parent and community groups.
  For the past 40 years, these games have empowered individuals with 
intellectual disabilities to become physically fit and have fun while 
engaging in sports training and competition.
  As was indicated by the gentleman from California, and I think the 
quote again warrants stating, that like the gladiators of ancient Rome, 
Special Olympics athletes pledge, ``Let me win, but if I cannot win, 
let me be brave in the attempt.''
  On this 40th anniversary, we congratulate these courageous athletes 
and wish the program many more years of continued success.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Terry), who is the author of this 
particular resolution. As I indicated before, he is also a member of 
the powerful Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  Mr. TERRY. I want to first say thank you to the chairman and ranking 
member for allowing this to come to the House floor in such a rapid 
manner. It is my pleasure to have authored this resolution in working 
with Special Olympics on their 40th anniversary.
  In those 40 years since Mrs. Eunice Shriver dreamed of helping those 
with intellectual disabilities by having them compete as a part of 
letting them know that they can achieve and as part of their therapies, 
in those 40 years since her vision came to be, we have seen many with 
intellectual disabilities win and let them be better in that 
competition. I am also pleased that my community is hosting the 
International Special Olympics competition in 2010 between Omaha and 
Lincoln.
  As my colleagues have stated, Special Olympics is an international 
nonprofit organization dedicated to the

[[Page 17080]]

great cause of empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to 
become physically fit, productive, and respected members of society 
through sports training and competition. Participation in Special 
Olympics' year-round sports training and athletic competition is open 
to anyone with intellectual disabilities ages 8 and older.
  Currently there are 700,000 volunteers and 500,000 coaches worldwide 
that serve over 2.5 million people with intellectual disabilities by 
helping them participate in over 200 programs in 180 countries. It is 
important to note that Special Olympics would not exist today and could 
not have been created without the time, energy, commitment, and 
enthusiasm of many of its volunteers. As a grassroots organization, 
Special Olympics relies on volunteers at all levels of the movement to 
ensure that every athlete is offered a quality sports training and 
competition experience.
  The athletes have choices of just about any sport you can think of, 
from winter sports, aquatics, badminton, basketball, track and field, 
snowboarding, sailing, table tennis, handball, racquetball, volleyball. 
It goes on and on and on.
  The Special Olympics oath is inspirational to all and was originally 
spoken by gladiators entering the arena in ancient Rome: ``Let me win. 
But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.''
  Madam Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I strive every day to live up 
to these words. Again, I am proud to be associated with this resolution 
and Special Olympics and urge its passage on the floor today. Again, I 
thank Mr. Berman and Mr. Chabot for making sure that this arrived on 
the floor in such a rapid manner.

                              {time}  1115

  Mr. BERMAN. Madam Speaker, I have no other speakers and so I reserve 
my time.
  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. 
Res. 1279 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.
  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 hasn't kept him from becoming a 13-year veteran 
of the Special Olympics. It also hasn't 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 Kansas and raises thousands of dollars in 
support of Special Olympics programs. This year-round fundraiser and 
awareness initiative was implemented by former Wichita Police Chief 
Richard LaMunyon in 1981. It became an international event 3 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.
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this year marks the 40th 
anniversary of the Special Olympics--an organization dedicated to 
providing individuals with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to 
train and compete in athletic events. Over 2.5 million individuals from 
across 180 countries participate in events held year-round.
  As the world gathers in Beijing, China for this year's Summer Olympic 
Games, we should remember the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games 
that were held in Shanghai, China, in October 2007. This was only the 
second time the games have been held outside the United States and 
attracted over 7,000 athletes. From my home State of South Carolina, 
Special Olympics South Carolina sent four athletes--Diana Poiletman of 
Columbia, Eric Brown of Columbia, Jason Morrow of Spartanburg County, 
and Darlene Wycuff of Spartanburg County--who brought home an 
impressive total of 9 medals. These strong individuals embody the best 
of the human spirit and truly represent the words of the Special 
Olympics' motto: ``Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in 
the attempt.''
  I wish to congratulate the millions of individuals who compete and 
participate in the Special Olympics. In particular, I want to recognize 
Anne Burke and Eunice Kennedy Shriver who founded the organization in 
1968. Their dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of intellectually 
disabled men, women, and children around the world are truly 
remarkable. In South Carolina, Barry S. Coats, President and CEO of 
Special Olympics South Carolina and all his staff and volunteers should 
be commended for their wonderful work.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I wish to take a moment to 
recognize the 40th anniversary of the Special Olympics and, in 
particular, Chicago's role in the wonderful program. As some of you may 
know, the first Special Olympics were held in my congressional 
district, the 7th Congressional District in Illinois on Chicago's 
Soldier Field on July 20, 1968. The idea for this event originated in 
1967 when Anne Burke, a recreation teacher from the Chicago Park 
District, proposed holding a citywide track meet for people with 
disabilities, modeled after the Olympics. She was encouraged to hand in 
the proposal to Eunice Kennedy Shriver at the Kennedy Foundation; she 
did. It was at Chicago's Soldier Field that Eunice Kennedy Shriver 
announced the formation of the Special Olympics. One thousand athletes 
attended the first games from 26 States and Canada. The inaugural 
ceremony started with the quote, ``Let me win, but if I cannot win, let 
me be brave in the attempt.'' These words came from the lips of the 
gladiators in ancient Rome and were wisely chosen by Kennedy Shriver to 
represent the goal of the Special Olympics.
  Before the Special Olympics were started Eunice Shriver had already 
tried once to organize a camp that would help disabled children. This 
organization which started out with 35 boys was called Camp Shriver. It 
is amazing that something that started out with only 35 children has 
developed into the Special Olympics which now holds programs in more 
than 180 countries with more than 2.5 million athletes and counting. 
The Special Olympics is a program that allows people from all over the 
world, or most of it, to interact with one another. It is astonishing 
what can be achieved when someone has an idea. One idea can inspire 
people to do great things.
  Congratulations to Special Olympics with its 40th anniversary. You 
have proven that great ideas give great outcomes. Thank you for making 
a difference and continue to inspire everyone.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H. Res. 1279, ``Recognizing the Special Olympics 40th anniversary''. 
First, I would like to thank my distinguished colleague, Lee Terry of 
Nebraska, for introducing this important piece of legislation. This 
resolution will recognize the significance of the Special Olympics in 
establish lasting competitive bonds and teaching the world that all 
people possess the same courage and profound joy in the face of 
athletic competition. Through its 40 years the Special Olympics has 
dedicated itself to empowering individuals with intellectual 
disabilities to become physically fit, productive, and respected 
members of society through sports training and competition. I strongly 
encourage my colleagues to support this act.
  The Special Olympics currently serves over 2,500,000 people with 
intellectual disabilities in more than 200 programs in over 180 
countries. The organization has over 700,000 volunteers and 500,000 
coaches worldwide. Indeed, every four years the Special Olympics 
requires a massive undertaking of athletes, volunteers and coaches. 
Throughout all this the organization has stood true to its oath ``Let 
me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt''. Indeed, 
the bravery of the Special Olympics and its intellectually disabled 
athletes is inspiring, and well worth this commendation.

[[Page 17081]]

  This bill recognizes not only the importance of an organization such 
as the Special Olympics, but also its effects. Children and adults with 
intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop 
improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and 
a more positive self-image. These competitors grow not only physically, 
but mentally, and emotionally. In the process new powerful ties are 
made between individuals and between nations regardless of the barriers 
of language and geography.
  This legislation will express the desire of Congress to recognize the 
tireless compassion of those volunteers and coaches working with the 
Special Olympics, as well as the unshakeable bravery of its athletes. 
Through its 40 years of service the Special Olympics has helped 
millions of intellectually disabled children and adults to find their 
true voice.
  Whether it is through their 40 years of international competition, or 
their work regionally, where chapters such as Special Olympics Texas 
work to bring out both athleticism and joy from the intellectually 
disabled in 21 sports, this organization has shown a commitment to 
bringing out the best in both volunteer and competitor alike. To think 
that from a small summer day camp for intellectually challenged 
children and adults could evolve into a world-wide organization, is a 
testament to the lasting vision of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, its founder, 
and the commitment of volunteers, such as the 40,000 from Texas, to 
this dream.
  Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, we have no further speakers and we yield 
back our time.
  Mr. BERMAN. I yield back my time, Madam Speaker.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Berman) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1279.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________