Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet joined fellow co-chairs of the Senate Olympic and Paralympic Caucus to introduce a resolution in support of Team USA at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi.
“As the home of the U.S. Olympic Committee as well as many Olympic and Paralympic athletes, Colorado knows a thing or two about the Olympic spirit,” Bennet said. “These athletes have dedicated years to training for this special opportunity to represent our country on the world stage. My family and I are anxious to cheer on Team USA as they compete for Olympic gold. We wish them all safe travels and the best of luck as they demonstrate their skills and competitive spirit in Sochi.”
Team USA will send 230 athletes in 16 sports to compete as part of the U.S. Olympic Team February 7-23. Colorado will send 19 athletes to Sochi – the second most behind California’s 20 athletes. The U.S. Paralympic Team will be announced February 21, 2014 and will compete March 7-16.
Bennet serves as one of the Senate co-chairs of the Congressional Olympic and Paralympic Caucus. The informal, bipartisan group is dedicated to educating Congress about the goals and spirit of the Olympic Games, promoting clean and fair competition, expanding youth sports, and helping athletes realize their Olympic and Paralympic dreams. The resolution is cosponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and Jonny Isakson (R-GA).
Additionally, the caucus will highlight the benefits of Paralympic sports for individuals with disabilities, including those injured military and veterans who lead active lives through athletic events and competition.
Full Text of the Resolution:
Commemorating the success of Team USA in the past 22 Olympic Winter Games and supporting Team USA in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games.
Whereas for over 100 years, the Olympic Movement has built a more peaceful and better world by educating young people through amateur athletics, bringing together athletes from many countries in friendly competition, and forging new relationships bound by friendship, solidarity, and fair play;
Whereas the 2014 Olympic Winter Games will take place in Sochi, Russia from February 7, 2014, to February 23, 2014, and the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games will take place in Sochi, Russia from March 7, 2014, to March 16, 2014;
Whereas at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, more than 85 nations will compete in 15 sports disciplines, and Team USA will compete in all 15 sports disciplines;
Whereas at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, more than 85 nations will compete in 7 sports, and Team USA will compete in all 7 sports;
Whereas 230 Olympians and more than 75 Paralympians will compete on behalf of Team USA in Sochi, Russia;
Whereas Team USA has won 87 gold medals, 95 silver medals, and 72 bronze medals, totaling 254 medals in the past 22 Olympic Winter Games;
Whereas the people of the United States stand united in respect and admiration for the members of the United States Winter Olympic and Winter Paralympic teams and the athletic accomplishments, sportsmanship, and dedication to excellence of the teams;
Whereas the many accomplishments of the United States Winter Olympic and Winter Paralympic teams would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of many individuals, including individuals on the United States Olympic Committee and the many administrators, coaches, and family members who provided critical support to the athletes;
Whereas the United States takes great pride in the qualities of commitment to excellence, grace under pressure, and good will toward other competitors that the athletes of Team USA exhibit; and
Whereas the Olympic Movement celebrates competition, fair play, and the pursuit of dreams: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate—
(1) applauds all athletes and coaches of Team USA and the families of such athletes and coaches who support them;
(2) supports the athletes of Team USA in their endeavors at the 2014 Olympic Winter and Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia;
(3) thanks all members of the United States Olympic Committee for their unwavering support of the athletes of Team USA; and
(4) supports the goals and ideals of the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games.