Congratulating Lakewood on Sports Illustrated Award

CONGRATULATING LAKEWOOD ON SPORTS ILLUSTRATED AWARD -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 09, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. LINDA T. SÁNCHEZ
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, JULY 9, 2004

Ms. LINDA T. SÁNCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise proudly today to congratulate the city of Lakewood for being named Sports Illustrated magazine's "Sportstown" for the State of California. This prestigious award recognizes the city in California with the best community sports programs. And since California is Sports Illustrated's No. I state, that means Lakewood is the number one sports town in the entire country. Sports and outdoor living are part of the fabric of life in this wonderful city, which I represent, in the 39th District of California.

Every year, Mr. Speaker, more than 13,000 Lakewood citizens participate in sports leagues or volunteer as coaches or referees. Kids of all ages in Lakewood play sports in one of the many city-sponsored leagues. The city's leagues are free of charge so all kids in the city can participate, and learn the values of teamwork and sportsmanship while they are having fun and making friends. The grownups in Lakewood also join in adult basketball, softball, tennis and volleyball leagues.

And if you live in Lakewood and sports leagues aren't your cup of tea you can go to one of the 10 public parks, two public swimming pools, or two public Community Centers and get some exercise or just have a good time.

This prestigious award recognizing Lakewood's community sports programs comes during the same year that Lakewood is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

So, to the people of the City of Lakewood I say, "Congratulations for being the best sports city in America, and Happy 50th Anniversary!"