[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11345]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DOLPHIN MINI GOLF

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, today I recognize a small business 
from my home State of Maine that recently hosted the 2008 U.S. 
ProMiniGolf Association's U.S. Open Tournament. Dolphin Mini Golf, an 
18-hole, par 50 miniature golf course located in the charming Midcoast 
town of Boothbay, is the first location in the Northeast to host this 
exciting annual event.
  Dolphin Mini Golf is no ordinary miniature golf course. A nautical 
theme pervades the landscape, with each hole having a unique 
decoration. Laden with challenging obstacles, from a fisherman's house 
to a whale's eye, and dotted with dolphins, lighthouses, and anchors, 
the course is a taxing test for even the most advanced miniature 
golfer. Additionally, the rotating ship's wheel and spinning lobster 
buoys provide the course with an added level of difficulty.
  A perfect attraction for tourists to the Maine coast and locals 
alike, Dolphin Mini Golf has earned its reputation as one of the 
country's premier miniature golf entertainment complexes. In fact, 
Dolphin has been rated as one of the top 10 mini golf courses 
nationwide by several professionals on multiple occasions in USA Today. 
This made Dolphin Mini Golf an ideal location for the recent 11th 
annual U.S. Open Tournament, which was held on May 17 and 18 and 
organized by the U.S. ProMiniGolf Association, which promotes the 
increased play of miniature golf and sanctions several tournaments each 
year. This year's U.S. Open featured entrants from across the United 
States and Europe and consisted of six separate events, including a 
junior tournament, as well as senior and amateur divisions.
  Dolphin's owner, Lee Stoddard, decided to use the opportunity of 
hosting the event to highlight something bigger than sports. He 
selected Operation Recognition, a non-profit organization that 
recognizes America's servicemembers by providing them with a week of 
relaxation in Maine, to receive proceeds from the U.S. Open. Operation 
Recognition was founded in May 2007, and its vacations provide military 
families with all-expense-paid trips, including lodging, scenic boat 
tours, and, naturally, passes to play at Dolphin Mini Golf.
  In addition to this year's U.S. Open, Dolphin Mini Golf hosts its own 
tournament each September. This 14-year tradition draws players from 
near and far to benefit a good cause: the tournament raises money for 
Shriners Hospitals for Children in New England. These crucial 
facilities provide treatment for children with a variety of illnesses 
and ailments, including burn victims, orthopedic care, and spinal cord 
injury rehabilitation. Mr. Stoddard's commitment to the welfare of the 
region's neediest children is truly admirable.
  Dolphin Mini Golf is a fitting symbol of Maine's creative 
entrepreneurship. But under Lee Stoddard's leadership, it also 
represents a sincere kindness and compassion. Through sheer hard work 
and dedication, Mr. Stoddard has turned Dolphin into an exemplary 
miniature golf course and a standout small business. I congratulate 
everyone at Dolphin Mini Golf for earning the honor of playing host to 
this year's U.S. Open Tournament and thank them for their considerable 
generosity to our Nation's veterans and children.

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