[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 14309]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MICHAEL McGOVERN

  Mr. REED. Madam President, I rise to recognize and honor the 
significant accomplishments of Special Olympics Rhode Island executive 
director Mike McGovern. Mike is retiring this month after 21 years of 
working to expand opportunities for Rhode Islanders with disabilities. 
He has been a lifelong friend, since grammar school and high school. He 
is someone I respect and admire immensely, and this respect and 
admiration is shared by the entire community of Rhode Island.
  He has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to upholding the mission 
and values of the Special Olympics. Mike's special dedication and 
enthusiasm have ensured that the Special Olympics Rhode Island remains 
one of the most impressive organizations in our State, providing year-
round sports training and competitions to approximately 2,700 young and 
adult athletes across the State.
  Mike began his involvement with Special Olympics Rhode Island as a 
volunteer for 18 years, every year pitching in, helping out. That is 
the way he is--a generous heart, a great sense of community and 
neighborliness. He then served as assistant executive director for 
Special Olympics Rhode Island from 1988 to 1998, when he took over the 
role of executive director.
  Under his leadership, Special Olympics Rhode Island expanded the 
number of sports offered to 20. His athlete-centered approach helped 
the program experience a 40-percent increase in competitors.
  Mike has also worked hard to ensure that the funding goals of Special 
Olympics Rhode Island were achieved. During his time with Special 
Olympics Rhode Island, the organization built a budget surplus of over 
$1 million. He also helped launch a capital campaign to establish a 
permanent home for Special Olympics Rhode Island. His innovative 
spirit, which characterized his entire tenure, was evident in many 
different ways--particularly 33 years ago, when he and several friends 
cofounded the Penguin Plunge, which is an annual New Year's Day ritual 
in Jamestown, RI, where hardy souls, hundreds of them, brave the frigid 
waters of Narragansett Bay to raise money for Special Olympics Rhode 
Island and raise a feeling of camaraderie, fellowship, and good spirits 
to begin the year.
  Last month, Mike attended his final games as executive director. Held 
at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, Special Olympics Rhode 
Island dedicated its 2009 State summer games to Mike McGovern for his 
outstanding, long-time commitment to the Special Olympics. Speaking at 
the games, he spoke of being inspired by the courage of the athletes 
through their ability to defy stereotypes, to compete, to strive--all 
of them--to win. We, too, are inspired by his commitment to a very 
noble cause.
  Through his presence at the organization, he imbued it with a special 
spirit. That spirit will be missed. But he will continue to serve 
because that is his nature.
  Thank you, Mike, for your exemplary service. You have been a strong 
advocate for thousands of Special Olympics athletes, both on and off 
the playing field. Your dedicated leadership and hard work have helped 
thousands of Rhode Islanders with disabilities achieve their goals.
  Also, you have been a great success in something as important--as a 
husband, as a father, as a friend. I wish you and your lovely family, 
your wife and your children, the best in your well-deserved retirement.
  Let me conclude by saying Rhode Island's special athletes have never 
had a more special friend than Mike McGovern.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Georgia is recognized.
  Mr. ISAKSON. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to address the 
Chamber as in morning business for up to 10 minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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