[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3263]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 31ST ANNUAL WINDHAM SPECIAL OLYMPICS INVITATIONAL 
                               SWIM MEET

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 2010

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate and honor 
the 31st Annual Windham Special Olympics Invitational Swim Meet. This 
Saturday, I will have the great pleasure of attending the Opening 
Ceremony of this event with hundreds of athletes, families and 
volunteers from around the region. I am familiar with the good work of 
Special Olympics Connecticut and am particularly excited for Saturday's 
meet.
  All of the events that the Special Olympics organizes are first and 
foremost about the athletes who participate in them. They provide a 
unique opportunity for these individuals to compete and learn the 
benefits of regular training and physical fitness activities. In 
addition to the athletic component, I want to highlight the 
overwhelmingly positive impact that Special Olympics competitions have 
on the lives of the athletes. The social, educational, and professional 
skills that are gained from mere involvement in these programs are 
outcomes that the organization and the athletes should be tremendously 
proud of.
  I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the many 
volunteers and other members of the community that make each and every 
Special Olympics event possible. Without them, the athletes and their 
families could not enjoy the activities and terrific memories that come 
from these events. Thank you for all your service and good luck to the 
athletes competing in the Windham Special Olympics Invitational Swim 
Meet.

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