[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24696]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE SESTAK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2008

  Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge the 40th 
anniversary of the Special Olympics, an outstanding organization which 
provides children and adults with intellectual disabilities--more than 
18,000 alone in Pennsylvania--an opportunity to participate in year-
round, athletic competitions. The Special Olympics motto ``Let me win, 
but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt,'' was originally 
spoken by gladiators entering the arena in ancient Rome.
  Villanova University, which is in my district, was the official host 
of the Special Olympics Pennsylvania state games this year. The Special 
Olympics Fall Festival at Villanova is the largest student-run Special 
Olympics event in the world. During the two-day event, Villanova 
University opens its campus to over 1,000 athletes, 400 coaches, and 
2,700 volunteers. The athletes compete in six Olympic-type sports, 
bocce, long distance running, power-lifting, roller skating, soccer, 
and volleyball.
  Worldwide, the Special Olympics brings together more than 2.5 million 
athletes with intellectual disabilities in 180 countries. Children and 
adults who participate in the Special Olympics develop improved 
physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence, and a more 
positive self-image. They grow mentally and socially and, exhibit 
boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship, and 
ultimately discover new abilities and talents.
  Special Olympics was best described by Sargent Shriver, Chairman of 
the Board of Special Olympics Inc., when he wrote that Special Olympics 
is unique and important because of the ways in which Special Olympics 
inspires and reveals the very best in human nature. ``It has become,'' 
he wrote, ``one of the most encouraging and profound developments in 
modern sports.''
  I am pleased to recognize Special Olympics International for 40 years 
of service and commitment, and I wish the organization success in the 
years ahead.

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