[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 14856-14858]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




CONGRATULATING THE ATHLETES FROM THE STATE OF NEVADA AND THROUGHOUT THE 
                             UNITED STATES

  Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Commerce 
Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. Res. 558 and 
the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 558) congratulating the athletes from 
     the State of Nevada and throughout the United States who 
     participated in the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as 
     members of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, a moving 11-day journey recently came to an 
end. Nearly 4,300 athletes from 166 countries traveled to London, 
England, to fulfill their dream of representing their country at the 
2012 Paralympic games. I congratulate each of these athletes on a job 
well done and for their hard work, determination and triumph. Their 
accomplishments inspired us all and help to broaden our sense of what 
is possible for individuals living with a disability.
  Shortly after the 2012 Olympic games concluded, Olympic officials 
worked feverishly to transform the Olympic venues for the upcoming 
Paralympic games. Their task was formidable, and their work was 
impressive. And once again, London proved to be an exceedingly 
welcoming host. In fact, more than 2.7 million spectators attended the 
games, shattering the previous mark and making these games the best 
attended in history. Many venues were filled to capacity. The energy 
and excitement of the fans was impressive and a wonderful inspiration 
for these athletes to showcase their talents. While the world watched 
with joy and amazement, the athletes competed fiercely, setting an 
astonishing 251 world records in the process.
  Those in attendance and audiences around the world were treated to 
many dazzling performances and were introduced to some truly inspiring 
personal stories. One such story is that of LT. Brad Synder. Almost 1 
year ago to the day, Lieutenant Synder was bravely serving his country 
in Afghanistan when a bomb exploded, rendering him blind. One year 
later, he stood in London, again representing his country, with two 
gold medals and a silver in swimming around his neck and a world record 
in his grasp. In the face of such a tragic and life-altering injury, 
this brave soldier refused to let this injury define him and forged 
ahead, setting his sights on a new goal. There is also LCDR Steven 
Peace who began cycling during rehabilitation from a stroke he suffered 
during Active Duty and competed for Team USA in that event. And there 
is Scot Severn, another former soldier, who won bronze in shot put at 
these games after recovering from injuries sustained from a lighting 
strike while on duty. These are but a few of the seemingly endless 
stories of perseverance and strength that define the lives of these 
athletes and enrich the lives of all of us.
  It was in 1948 that the seed of what would grow to become the second 
largest sporting event in the world was planted in London. Sir Ludwig 
Guttmann sought to inspire recently wounded World War II veterans by 
organizing a sporting event to raise their spirits and aid their 
rehabilitation. After years of increasing participation and awareness, 
this sporting event, which was conceived to parallel the Olympic games, 
would formally become known as the Paralympic games in 1960. In 2012, 
227 athletes represented the United States in London.
  There were many Paralympic athletes with ties to Michigan on Team 
USA. They represented their Nation and Michigan admirably. They include 
Steve Peace in cycling, Asya Miller in goalball, Robin Theryoung in 
goalball, Tucker Dupree in swimming, Scott Severn in track and field, 
Bryan Barten in wheelchair tennis, and Mackenzie Soldan in wheelchair 
tennis. Along with these impressive athletes, I also congratulate the 
legions of coaches, trainers, officials, support staff, family and 
friends who played indispensable roles for these athletes and

[[Page 14857]]

helped to make their performances possible.
  There are more than 24 million Americans living with a disability and 
many more who face some sort of physical, visual or mental challenge. 
The athletes who competed in London sent a strong, compelling signal 
that, while their circumstance may seem daunting, there are many 
mountains to climb and races to win if they are determined and willing 
to pursue excellence in whatever field they choose, whether it be the 
track, a classroom or any other worthy pursuit. These games also bring 
greater awareness and more resources to efforts to increase the 
availability of physical activity for disabled Americans across the 
Nation, the benefits of which have been well-documented in recent 
years.
  The 2012 Paralympic games dazzled us with impressive athletic feats, 
inspired us with stories of courage and perseverance, and reminded us 
that we can all overcome adversity and pursue excellence both in 
competition and in life. The 2012 summer Paralympic games, like the 
Olympic games that preceded it, was a stage on which athletes from 
across the globe came together in friendly competition. Barb and I 
salute every athlete who represented Team USA in London. As one 
organizer eloquently stated, ``The Paralympians have lifted the cloud 
of limitation.'' For that, we owe them a deep debt of gratitude.
  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I rise to recognize three of our 
Nation's inspiring Paralympians, with Connecticut roots, who competed, 
along with 227 American teammates and more than 4,000 athletes from 
over 160 countries, in this year's Paralympic games in London. During 
these games, which took place from August 29 to September 9, the United 
States brought home 98 medals, including 31 gold medals. The 
exceptional drive, discipline, and dreams of these athletes are as 
extraordinary as the medals. Their personal stories of sacrifice and 
hard work, effort and energy, and aspirations turned into realities, 
despite setbacks and adversity, are truly remarkable.
  In 1948 at Aylesbury, England's Stoke Mandeville Hospital, the idea 
of the Paralympics was formed, and so it is historically significant 
that England hosted this year's Paralympic games. Sir Ludwig Guttmann 
envisioned including disabled veterans in international sports 
competition, and in 1948 his dream was realized in the International 
Wheelchair Games. In 1960, Rome hosted the first official Paralympic 
games as we know them today. As we look back at this year's games--one 
of the largest Paralympics in history--we celebrate this legacy. We are 
reminded of how important these games were for the rehabilitation of 
our disabled World War II veterans.
  For Tara Profitt of Newington, CT, and member of the 2012 U.S. 
Paralympic Table Tennis Team, England as host country is personally 
significant. Ms. Profitt competed in the women's singles competition at 
the 1984 Paralympics hosted in Stoke Mandeville, England, but always 
hoped to have the opportunity to play alongside her college friend and 
fellow table tennis champion, Pamela Fontaine, in the women's team 
class. This year, in addition to participating individually in the 
women's single class events, Ms. Profitt and Ms. Fontaine were selected 
to represent the United States together in the women's team event, 
reuniting again on familiar territory. Ms. Profitt has credited Ms. 
Fontaine with inspiring her to become the athlete she is today, 
encouraging her to engage in sports again after the diving injury that 
she suffered as a teenager. They have worked hard to qualify over the 
past few years, traveling around the world to compete, and this year 
achieved the goal that they have held dearly for decades: to play 
together, celebrating their country and friendship on an international 
stage.
  Representing the United States in track and field, three-time gold 
medalist Paul Nitz traveled from Bloomfield, CT, to participate in his 
third Paralympic games. This year, he was given the tremendous honor of 
serving as track captain for the U.S. Paralympic Track and Field team, 
inspiring both first-time and veteran athletes. Mr. Nitz has an 
accomplished athletic record: He won the Gold in the 100m event in 
1992, 1996, and 2000 and broke the 100m world record during the 2012 
Swiss Series. This year, I am proud to announce that he brought home 
the bronze in the 100m. Equally commendable, Mr. Nitz works in his 
community--as an employee of the Hartford Insurance Group--to 
positively change public perception regarding disability. In addition 
to his impressive athletic achievements, through his efforts at the 
Hartford, he has led great strides across the Nation in dispelling 
prejudice, misconception, and judgment.
  I also applaud the Hartford Insurance Group for their commitment to 
the Paralympic games: Since 2003, it has been a founding partner of the 
U.S. Paralympics, an official division of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
  Five-time Paralympian Scott Danberg calls Stamford his hometown, and 
Connecticut has been proud to follow him throughout his impressive 
athletic career. Recently, as a well-known and regarded member of the 
U.S. Paralympic track and field team, he competed in the men's discus 
event, throwing his personal best for this season in London. And this 
year he was nominated by his fellow track and field members and then 
chosen by a vote by the U.S. paralympic team as our Nation's flag 
bearer during opening ceremonies. He adds this tremendous honor to his 
past accomplishments, including the bronze at the 2011 IPC World 
Championships, the gold at the 2010 U.S. Paralympics Track & Field 
National Championships in both discus and shot put, and the silver in 
javelin at the 1998 Paralympic games.
  I hope that Connecticut's Paralympians can continue to promote 
international and national awareness and engagement and we can continue 
to come together as a nation, recognizing what unites us. Thank you for 
joining me in applauding our amazing American athletes and those around 
the world who have shown the athleticism, stamina, and national 
identity that transcend differences.
  Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the gifted 
athletes from my home State of Mississippi who represented the United 
States in the 2012 London Olympic games and Paralympic games. They join 
an extraordinary legacy built by generations of great American 
Olympians and Paralympians, and their historic successes on the world 
stage are a proud moment for Mississippi.
  In the London Olympic games, Gulfport native Brittney Reese became 
the first American woman to win a gold medal in long jump since Jackie 
Joyner-Kersee, who won it more than two decades ago in the Seoul games. 
The Olympic title tops an impressive career for the former University 
of Mississippi standout and four-time world champion, who has become an 
unmatched competitor over the past several years.
  Particularly heartfelt and inspiring was Reese's dedication of her 
gold-medal success to the people of Mississippi and those still 
recovering from Hurricane Katrina, which damaged her family's home 7 
years ago. As she told reporters, ``This is a great way for me to bring 
something home and show them we can all do this together.''
  Bianca Knight of Ridgeland helped lead the women's 4x100-meter relay 
team to a gold-medal win in an incredible 40.82 seconds--besting the 
world record set by East Germany in 1985. The performance earned the 
United States its first Olympic gold medal in the women's relay event 
since 1996 in Atlanta.
  In the men's 4x100-meter relay, Coldwater sprinter Trell Kimmons and 
his teammates blazed through to a silver-medal finish--setting a new 
American record. Former Jackson State University track star Michael 
Tinsley also won silver in the 400-meter hurdles. Isiah Young, a 
talented athlete at the University of Mississippi, made his Olympic 
debut in the exciting 200-meter dash, advancing to the semifinals with 
an impressive run against decorated Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt.
  One Mississippian continued her Olympic success this time as a coach

[[Page 14858]]

for the U.S. women's basketball team. Assistant coach Jennifer Gillom, 
an Ole Miss graduate from Abbeville, helped lead the team to a gold-
medal victory in London. She won gold as a player during the Seoul 
Games and is the first person in Ole Miss women's basketball history to 
be part of multiple medal wins.
  Like the Olympics, the London Paralympic games were also a 
spectacular display of athleticism and perseverance. The international 
sports event for athletes with disabilities began shortly after World 
War II as a way for those with war injuries to enhance their quality of 
life. More than 4,000 athletes competed in this year's Paralympic 
games--including four Mississippians who captivated the world with 
outstanding performances.
  Shaquille Vance of Houston set a new American record in the men's 
200-meter-T42 event--earning the silver medal. Richard Browne of 
Jackson sprinted to a silver-medal finish in the highly anticipated 
100-meter-T44 race. Top-ranked competitors Ryan Estep and Joseph 
Brinson of Florence showcased their expertise as part of the U.S. 
wheelchair fencing team, with Estep competing in the epee-style event 
and Brinson in the saber-style competition.
  I thank the family and friends who have supported and encouraged 
these athletes throughout this incredible journey. The Olympics and 
Paralympics are a dream for athletes around the world and a life-
changing experience for those who participate. I congratulate these 
inspiring Mississippians on their remarkable accomplishments. They have 
worked hard and made us proud.
  Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, I further ask that the resolution be agreed 
to, the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be considered 
made and laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and 
any statements related to the measure be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 558) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 558

       Whereas the 2012 Olympic Games were held in London, England 
     from July 27, 2012, to August 12, 2012, and the 2012 
     Paralympic Games were held in London, England from August 29, 
     2012, to September 9, 2012;
       Whereas 532 Olympians and 227 Paralympians competed on 
     behalf of Team USA in London, England;
       Whereas the great State of Nevada contributed 4 athletes to 
     the United States Olympic Team and 1 athlete to the United 
     States Paralympic Team;
       Whereas the Olympians and Paralympian from the State of 
     Nevada proudly represented the United States in competition 
     and displayed an admirable dedication to the spirit of the 
     Olympic Games;
       Whereas Amanda Bingson of Las Vegas, Nevada, competed in 
     the Olympic Women's Hammer Throw event;
       Whereas Jacob Dalton of Reno, Nevada, competed in the 
     Olympic Men's Gymnastics Floor Exercise and Men's Team 
     events;
       Whereas Connor Fields of Las Vegas, Nevada, competed in the 
     Olympic Men's BMX event;
       Whereas Michael Hunter II of Las Vegas, Nevada, competed in 
     the Olympic Men's Heavyweight Boxing event;
       Whereas Cortney Jordan of Henderson, Nevada, competed in 
     the Paralympic Women's 400m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke, 
     100m Backstroke, 200m Individual Medley, 50m Freestyle, and 
     100m Freestyle events;
       Whereas Ms. Jordan won silver medals in the 400m Freestyle, 
     50m Freestyle, and 100m Freestyle, and a bronze medal in the 
     100m Backstroke;
       Whereas the citizens of the State of Nevada and the people 
     of the United States stand united in respect and admiration 
     for the Nevadan Olympians and Paralympian, and the athletic 
     accomplishments, sportsmanship, and dedication of those 
     athletes to excellence in the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics;
       Whereas the many accomplishments of the Nevadan Olympians 
     and Paralympian would not have been possible without the hard 
     work and dedication of many others, including the United 
     States Olympic Committee, the relevant United States National 
     Governing Bodies, and the many administrators, coaches, and 
     family members who provided critical support for the 
     athletes: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate extends sincere congratulations 
     for the accomplishments and gratitude for the sacrifices of 
     the athletes from the State of Nevada and throughout the 
     United States on the United States Olympic and Paralympic 
     Teams and to everyone who supported the efforts of those 
     athletes at the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

                          ____________________