OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Authorizing Use of Capitol Grounds for District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run

Floor Speech

Date: July 22, 2013
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Arts, Entertainment, and History

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Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 44, which authorizes the use of the Capitol Grounds for the 28th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run, which benefits the District of Columbia Special Olympics.

The torch relay event has traditionally been associated with the summer D.C. Special Olympics, which took place this past May. Each year, approximately 2,500 Special Olympians compete in over a dozen events here in the Nation's Capital, and more than 1 million children and adults with special needs participate in Special Olympic programs worldwide. The Law Enforcement Torch Run has become a truly popular event on Capitol Hill and is an integral part of the fundraising efforts for the D.C. Special Olympics. Nearly 1,500 Law Enforcement Torch Run participants are expected to assemble at the West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol Building on September 27, 2013, for a 2.3-mile run to Fort McNair, which culminates in a picnic and a celebration for all participants.

The Special Olympics of D.C. provides year-round sports and fitness training, health screenings and athletic competition to all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, and it touches thousands of families in D.C. and the region. Participants are involved in basketball, bowling, golf, soccer, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and many other sports programs that address various levels of ability. Best of all, the different programs offered to Special Olympics athletes are always free of charge and are partially supported by the event that we would authorize today.

I am truly pleased to support such a meritorious organization and to support the passage of this resolution, and I ask my colleagues to do the same.

I thank the gentleman for his cooperation in bringing this bill.

As I have no further requests for time, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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