[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 15701]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    CONGRATULATING THE ORLANDO MAGIC

 Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, it gives me great pleasure to 
recognize the Orlando Magic on a tremendous 2008-09 season; which ended 
on Sunday as the Los Angeles Lakers won a hard fought victory to win 
the NBA Finals. Although the Magic didn't end up taking home the 
championship trophy, they still turned in an inspiring performance 
throughout their improbable postseason run.
  Four years ago, few would have imagined the Orlando Magic would be 
the 2008-2009 Eastern Conference Champions. During the 2003-2004 
season, the Magic finished last in the league with a record of 21 wins 
and 61 losses. Since that time, the Magic organization has assembled a 
team that has made the Orlando community and now all of Florida proud.
  I commend coach Stan Van Gundy for leading his team to their third 
consecutive postseason and the team's second NBA Finals appearance. 
Whether it was overcoming long odds to beat the defending champion 
Boston Celtics or defeating LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, 
the team proved that when ``Blue and White Ignite,'' it is tough to 
beat the Orlando Magic.
  For their hard work and sportsmanship, I would like to recognize 
Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis, rookie Courtney Lee and 
the rest of the team for setting a tremendous example.
  Today, all Floridians are proud of the Orlando Magic for having such 
a memorable season. I congratulate the Magic organization and their 
fans on a great season and look forward to the next season as the team 
builds on this year's success.

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