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 Over the years, Special Olympics has been privileged to have the support of many members of the United States Congress. As the movement celebrated its 40th anniversary, several Congressmen and Senators recognized Special Olympics from the floor of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Click on the links below to read those remarks.
Speech of Hon. Rosa L. DeLauro of Connecticut in the House Of Representatives
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Special Olympics. Special Olympics began through the dreams, work, and dedication of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Mrs. Shriver, along with her son Timothy Shriver, and countless volunteers have made the dream of the Special Olympics a reality for 40 years now.
The Special Olympics embody the real American Dream — a world where everybody matters, where everybody counts and everybody gives their all. For four decades, Special
Special Olympics has brought us closer to that idea by encouraging excellence, sharing and courage through year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics improves health and physical well-being. It builds confidence and self-esteem. And perhaps most importantly, it gives athletes a voice, so that they can become active and productive members of their communities.
We sometimes forget what life was like for the intellectually disabled before the Special Olympics — a time when people were shuttered away in institutions, sentenced to lives of solitude, emptiness and sadness. But today that has all changed, largely because of the Special Olympics. Today, 2.5 million Special Olympians train and compete in 30 sports in over 180 countries. The Special Olympics has become a platform for breaking down social barriers — for raising the standard of public health, for helping intellectually disabled people overcome a prejudice that, for all our advances, plagues us to this day in some corners of society.
I urge my colleagues to stand with me to celebrate and honor the Special Olympics on the 40th anniversary of this remarkable, inspirational organization.
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Speech of Hon. Scott Garrett of New Jersey in the House of Representatives
Thursday, July 17, 2008
I rise today in recognition of an organization that is influential in the lives of millions across this Nation and around the world. Since 1968, the Special Olympics has celebrated those who triumph in the face of adversity and achieve victory despite insurmountable odds. This organization recognizes the ineffable beauty of human life and emphasizes the dignity of people with intellectual disabilities.
In 1968, Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics in honor of her sister, Rosemary. The first games were hosted at Soldier Field in Chicago, and featured over 1,000 participants from the United States and Canada. Since that time, the Special Olympics has become one of our Nation's greatest exports, serving 2.5 million athletes in over 180 nations and offering year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type winter and summer sports.
The Fifth District of New Jersey holds two major venues of our Winter Games each year: Campqaw in Mahwah features cross country skiing and snowshoeing, while Mountain Creek in Vernon holds alpine skiing and snowboarding.
Earlier this year, I was honored to have John Rosati, a Special Olympics participant from Mercer County, visit my office. In addition, I would like to recognize one of my own constituents, Kelley Sue Martin of Closter. Not only does she compete in alpine skiing, bowling, and track and field, but she also serves as a spokesperson for Special Olympics New Jersey and speaks at community and fundraising events throughout the state.
As the Special Olympics celebrates its 40th birthday on July 20, I join my colleagues in recognizing the indelible impact left by this exceptional organization. Over the past four decades, the Special Olympics has been an effective catalyst for social change. Special Olympians develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence, and a more positive self-image. Participants grow mentally, socially and spiritually. They exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm while enjoying the rewards of friendship and discovering new abilities and talents.
Few creeds sum up the American Spirit better than the oath of the Special Olympics : "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." I applaud the Special Olympics for providing an arena for athletes to follow this creed.
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Speech of Hon. Kenny Hulshof of Missouri in the House of Representatives
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Madame Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 40th anniversary of an organization that has profoundly changed the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities and society as a whole through sports competition. Special Olympics International has promoted the benefits of sports competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities since 1968, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics and convened its first International Games in Chicago.
Two years later, in 1971, Special Olympics Missouri opened its doors and started programs for Missourians with intellectual disabilities. For more than 36 years, Special Olympics Missouri has been providing sports training and competitions for athletes ages 8 and up.
The first Missouri Summer Games were held in 1975, at Fort Leonard Wood and continued there for 25 years. That same year, in 1975, Missouri Special Olympics sent its first athletes to International Summer Games held that year in Michigan. In 2002, the State Summer Games moved to Columbia in my district.
Today, Special Olympics Missouri's athletes range from 8 to 80 years old, with an average age around 25. Special Olympics provide year-round sports training and athletics competition for Missouri's children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Missouri currently serves more than 15,000 athletes with mental disabilities, in 19 sports, at 152 competitions throughout Missouri, with 4 statewide competitions, and more than 1,370 of Missouri's finest citizens who serve as volunteer coaches. Special Olympics Missouri athletes have participated in competitions all over the World from Ames Iowa in our own backyard to Anchorage, Alaska, Toronto, Canada, Dublin Ireland, Nagano Japan, and just last year — Shanghai China.
Through sports, these individuals develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image.
My colleagues know that as Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports, I have a special interest in sports and its value for health, character, and leadership skills. The Caucus believes in promoting the values of sportsmanship, civility, respect, health, safety, fun and fitness among the players and leaders, including coaches, parents, and officials. I am proud to tell you that Special Olympics promotes these same values in its programs and especially in its Health Athletes and Unified Sports program.
In recent years, Special Olympics Missouri expanded its impact to address health and fitness issues unique to individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Healthy Athletes Program provides health screenings in conjunction with competitions.
Special Olympics Unified Sports® is a program that combines approximately equal numbers of Special Olympics athletes and athletes without mental disabilities (called Partners) on sports teams for training and competition. Throughout the year, in a variety of sports ranging from basketball to golf to figure skating, Unified Sports® athletes improve their physical fitness, sharpen their skills, challenge the competition and have fun, too.
The concept of combining athletes with mental disabilities and those without was first introduced in the mid-1980s to provide another level of challenge for higher ability athletes and to promote equality and inclusion. Today, the initiative includes virtually all Special Olympics sports.
Unified Sports® enables athletes to:
- Learn new sports, develop higher-level sports skills and have new competition experiences
- Experience a sense of meaningful inclusion, as each athlete is ensured of playing a valued role on the team
- Socialize with peers and form friendships (the initiative provides a forum for positive social interaction between teammates and often leads to long-lasting friendships)
- Participate in their communities and have choices outside of Special Olympics: Unified Sports® programs often are initiated by community partners, including Parks and Recreation Departments, schools, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and community sports organizations. These partnerships help further include athletes in their community.
In fact in 1997, TIME magazine published a story about Unified Sports partner from my district — Ryan Brimer of Boonville.
The Missouri Police Chiefs Association has been a big supporter of Special Olympics Missouri through its Law Enforcement Torch Run. What began as a 30-mile run is now a four-day relay that covers more than 950 miles and 1,000 runners. Now more than a run, the Torch Run is a campaign to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. It originates at 25 different locations around the State of Missouri and ends at the State Summer Games. Nearly 200 agencies and 2,500 officers work year-round in Missouri to accomplish its goal. I am proud to report that Missouri's Torch Run consistently ranks in the Top Ten in the world for funds raised and I am proud of Missouri's police officers who volunteer their time for this noble cause.
Special Olympics themes of inclusion, health, sportsmanship, leadership, and fun in sports, make the world and Missouri a better place for individuals with and without disabilities. I am proud to congratulate Special Olympics on its years of achievement and I thank Special Olympics on behalf of all Missourians.
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Speech of Hon. Patrick J. Kennedy of Rhode Island in the House of Representatives
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th Anniversary of the Special Olympics.
When the Special Olympics was founded in 1968, individuals with developmental disabilities were all too often separated from their families and segregated from their communities.
My aunt, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, was able to see the potential of individuals with intellectual disabilities through her sister, and my aunt, Rosemary.
She was confident in her, and other disabled individuals', ability to participate in a meaningful way in their communities.
By using sport as a vehicle and stage for demonstrating the dignity and capability of people with intellectual disabilities, Mrs. Shriver recognized the impact not only on the athletes themselves, but on the Nation.
Today, the Special Olympics serves more than 2.5 million athletes in 180 countries around the world.
Yet, the benefit of the Special Olympics to athletes, families, volunteers, and coaches cannot be adequately measured by statistics and numbers.
It can be best represented by the recognition of the potential of individuals with intellectual disabilities by our society.
Congratulations to the Special Olympics on almost 40 years of extraordinary service.
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Speech of Hon. Peter T. King of New York in the House of Representatives
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Madam Speaker, today I rise to acknowledge the Special Olympics , an outstanding organization which provides 2.5 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to participate in year-round, Olympic-style, athletic competitions.
July 20, 2008, will mark the Special Olympics' 40th anniversary. Thanks to hard work from thousands of dedicated volunteers, families and athletes, the Special Olympics has grown from its humble beginnings in Eunice Kennedy Shriver's Maryland home to over 200 programs located throughout 180 countries. The Special Olympics provides its athletes with 30 Olympic-style games — varying from alpine skiing to bocce — and includes children as young as 8.
In my home State of New York, the Special Olympics has a great tradition as one of the leading charitable organizations for the intellectually disabled. For this, the New York Special Olympics plays an irreplaceable role in the National Special Olympics Program. Today, New York is home to an astounding 43,000 athletes who participate in over 400 Olympic-style competitions.
The benefits of the Special Olympics go far beyond gold medals. The skills and relationships built during the athletes' participation give them the courage, self-confidence and ability to excel on and off the field. Not only does the Special Olympics serve the athletes, but also families, volunteers and communities who gain respect, tolerance, and understanding for persons with disabilities.
I would like to thank the millions of volunteers, the organization of the Special Olympics and, most importantly, the athletes, for providing the world with an invaluable service.
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Speech of Hon. Joe Knollenberg of Michigan in the House of Representatives
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate an organization that has contributed to our community in my district in Michigan for something like 40 years, and has inspired us in many ways.
The Special Olympics is a beacon of opportunity and support for people with intellectual disabilities, providing training and athletic competition in over 100 countries.
Michigan's 9th district, my district, is no exception. We have been blessed with a dedicated and vigilant local organization there that has established a successful program with amazing results.
More than 400 athletes participated in this year's Oakland County Spring Games this past May, including Charles Howard from Farmington and Jaime Bonneau from Clarkston, who have been selected to compete in the World Games in 2009. I extend my best wishes to their respective competitions.
On the 40th anniversary of this extraordinary organization, I wish to honor them for their efforts and their contributions to our community and the communities around the Nation.
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Speech of Hon. Jerry Moran of Kansas in the House of Representatives
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Special Olympics for 40 years of extraordinary service to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Beyond giving 2.5 million athletes a chance to compete, it gives their families a way to involve their sons, daughters, brothers and sisters. A chance for them to cheer. A chance to coach. A chance to connect in a special way. A chance to see their family member be accepted and respected in their communities.
Originally an initiative of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the first Special Olympic Games were held on July 20, 1968 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Participation in Special Olympics develops improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self confidence and a more positive self image. Through competitions like power lifting, cycling, track and field, aquatics, tennis and gymnastics, athletes exhibit endless courage and enthusiasm and enjoy the rewards of friendship.
Last month I had the great privilege of addressing the athletes, fans, and families during the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Kansas 2008 Summer Games in Wichita. This year's Summer Games theme was "Be a Fan of Courage." This theme reflects the sentiments of the athlete oath, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." These words were uttered by gladiators in ancient Rome, and are equally appropriate for modern-day gladiators overcoming their own adversities.
After 40 years, there are now millions of stories of courage in the Special Olympics , but one athlete who has taken the oath and that embodies this year's theme is LP Esquibel from Dodge City, Kansas. He is more than a fan of courage. He is courageous and because of his courage he was awarded the Most Inspirational Athlete award at the Summer Games this year. Cerebral palsy kept him from walking until he was 5 years old, but it has not kept him from becoming a 13-year veteran of the Special Olympics. It also has not kept a smile from his face. From all accounts, LP is more than a great athlete in his events of basketball, shot put, and the 100-yard walk, he is an encouragement to his fellow teammates and helps them on the court.
It is stories like LP's that has sold me on the power and benefits of the Special Olympics. Since 2007, I have served as the Honorary Chairman for the Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run. The Torch Run covers hundreds of miles throughout the State and raises thousands of dollars in support of Special Olympics Kansas programs. This year-round fundraiser and awareness initiative was implemented by Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon in 1981. It became an international event three years later in 1984 when Chief LaMunyon presented it to the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is now the largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics around the world.
It was an honor to help raise money this past summer to help send Kansas athletes to compete in China at the World Olympics. I enjoyed meeting them and hearing of their success.
Special Olympics does remarkable work, both in the State of Kansas and across the globe. I would like to commend the leaders and volunteers of Special Olympics for 40 years of outstanding service and wish them continued success in the future.
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Speech of Hon. Tom Price of Georgia in the House of Representatives
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank a special group of people, the millions of participants and volunteers of the Special Olympics. Next Sunday, the Special Olympics turns 40 years old, and we are extremely grateful for the opportunities they provide to the intellectually disabled members of our community.
The goal of the Special Olympics is simple to express, but monumental to achieve: to empower individuals to become physically fit, productive and respected members of the community through sports training and competition. Not deterred by the challenge of their tasks, the organizers of the Special Olympics programs have performed phenomenally and made a serious impact in countless lives.
Ironically, their extraordinary results are likely due to their focus on the games, and not the winners. This is apparent from their oath, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt,'' a message from which we can all learn.
Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize and congratulate the Special Olympics on their 40th anniversary and to wish them continued success in their most worthy cause.
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Statement of Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada
Mr. President, today is the 40th anniversary of Special Olympics, an organization that has touched the lives of people with intellectual disabilities in Nevada and throughout the country. This spring, I had the chance to meet with one such Special Olympics athlete: Cari Davis, a resident of Henderson, Nevada, who has been winning medals since beginning her athletic career in 1988. It's my privilege today to recognize the achievements of all Special Olympics athletes, as well as the broader impact of their participation in sports.
Forty years ago, Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded Special Olympics with the belief that everyone, regardless of ability or disability, deserves opportunities to participate in sports. What began as Camp Shriver on the lawn of her Maryland home has now grown into an international organization reaching over 180 countries. Through these programs, people with intellectual disabilities can do more than just develop skills in a particular sport or improve their physical fitness. They also get opportunities to form friendships, build self-confidence, learn teamwork, and enjoy the sheer joy of the athletic experience. That is why I was pleased to help enact the Healthy Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004, which enabled Special Olympics to expand its programs and increase the number of athletes served.
In my home state, Special Olympics Nevada provides year-round training and competition opportunities in a variety of sports, including alpine skiing, basketball, swimming, and gymnastics. In addition to providing these activities and sponsoring competitive trials, Special Olympics offers services that promote good health, such as screenings through the Healthy Athletes Program. Larger events are also held, like the Special Olympics Nevada Summer Games that took place this June in Reno.
Mr. President, these events highlight more than the athletes' determination, talents, and spirit. Their participation in sports is also serving to dispel myths and change attitudes, contributing to the greater inclusion, understanding, and acceptance of people with disabilities. In fact, there are Special Olympics initiatives, like its collaboration with the school district in Clark County, Nevada, that give students with intellectual disabilities and other students the chance to participate in sports together. Perhaps it is these young athletes who best embody this remark by Mrs. Shriver: "May you overturn ignorance; may you challenge indifference at every turn; and may you find great joy in the new daylight of the great athletes of the Special Olympics."
Mr. President, I wish Special Olympics all the best as we celebrate its 40th anniversary and look forward to many more years to come.
[Sen. Reid, Majority Leader of the Senate, was one of the original co-sponsors of The Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act of 2004.]
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Hon. Pete Sessions of Texas in the House of Representatives
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Madam Speaker, today, I have the honor of recognizing the 40th anniversary of Special Olympics. For four decades Special Olympics has been encouraging and empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become active and physically fit in athletics. Special Olympics have dedicated its efforts to provide productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. With 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports, Special Olympics offer children and adults with intellectual disabilities year round training.
Special Olympics currently serve 2.5 million people with intellectual disabilities in over 180 countries. Special Olympics give these individuals the gift of friendship and allow each of them to discover a talent of their own. One of Special Olympics main goals is to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to realize their full potential and become productive members of their families and their communities.
As the father of a young man with Down syndrome who competes in Special Olympics , I have learned firsthand the endearing and valuable contributions Special Olympics have on these individuals. Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. Additionally, Special Olympics allow for individuals to grow socially and mentally through their activities, while exhibiting endless enthusiasm and joy throughout the games.
I am inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm for life that these individuals bring to Special Olympics. Once again, it is an honor to recognize the 40th anniversary of Special Olympics. Congratulations to all of the athletes who have competed over the past 40 years.
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Speech of Hon. John Shimkus of Illinois in the House of Representatives
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Madam Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the 40th birthday of the Special Olympics. Experts agree that this organization has had a more positive impact on the lives of people with intellectual disabilities than any other organization of its kind.
Illinois is divided into 17 Special Olympic areas. My area, area 12 consists of 8 counties and works with over 1000 athletes. At least 8 weeks prior to the competition, volunteer coaches work with individuals to prepare them to compete in one or more of the 12 sports offered by Special Olympics. Through the Special Olympics, athletes better their physical fitness, motor skills, and self-image, as well as gain confidence that will carry over into their daily lives.
The Special Olympics are not only beneficial to the athletes themselves, but benefit the families of the athletes as well. Families gain a stronger appreciation and respect for their athlete's abilities. Volunteers within the organization also gain a great satisfaction from interactions with the athletes and seeing them succeed.
The Special Olympics can only be made possible through the generous donations of money and time through its supporters and volunteers. Fundraisers and donations make this remarkable program possible. For all those that make this program possible, I would like to thank you for your unwavering dedication and support. You have made an impact on the lives of all the athletes. For the athletes, congratulations on your amazing accomplishments within the Special Olympics and all other aspects of your life. I wish every one of you nothing but the best in the future.
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Speech of Hon. Michael K. Simpson of Idaho in the House of Representatives
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Special Olympics on the occasion of its 40th Anniversary. Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition.
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for athletes. In addition, every two years, athletes from all over the world come together to compete in the Special Olympics World Games. The United States and the State of Idaho are proud and honored to host the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. This event will attract more than 3,000 athletes from over 100 nations to compete in seven Winter Olympic-type sporting events. This will be the largest multi-sport event ever held in the State of Idaho.
On July 23, 2007, my colleagues in the House of Representatives and I unanimously passed a resolution commending Idaho on winning the bid to host the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Among other things, this resolution expresses Congress's support for the 2009 Games, congratulates Idaho as the host of the Games, and applauds the goals of the Special Olympics to enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sports.
Madam Speaker, I have been privileged to work closely with Special Olympics and its staff both in Idaho and Washington, DC. I would like to commend the organization for the great work that it is doing on behalf of the thousands of Special Olympians throughout the world. I would also like to thank the thousands of volunteers and coaches who donate their time and energy to support this great program. I am pleased to recognize Special Olympics International for 40 years of service and commitment to the many Special Olympians both in America and across the globe.
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