Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, co-chairman of the Congressional Olympic and Paralympic Caucus, today sent his best wishes to Team USA as athletes from around the world converge for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. The Games begin Wednesday, August 29 and will run through September 9, 2012.
“Following the incredible success of Team USA during the 2012 Olympic Games, we once again turn our eyes to London in support of our paralympic athletes as they compete for gold,” Bennet said. “My family and I will be among many across Colorado cheering for Team USA and especially for our Colorado athletes. These athletes have devoted years of hard work for this special opportunity to represent our country on the world stage. We wish them luck as they demonstrate their skill, determination, and competitive spirit to the rest of the world.”
Team USA will send 227 athletes to London to compete in 19 sports throughout the 11-day competition. The team includes 20 U.S. military veterans and active duty service members, some of whom were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. They will compete against athletes from 165 countries.
In July, Bennet joined several of his Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution to support Team USA in the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Full Text of the Resolution Below:
Commemorating the success of Team USA in the past 25 Olympic Games and supporting Team USA in the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic 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 2012 Olympic Games will take place in London, England from July 27, 2012 to August 12, 2012, and the 2012 Paralympic Games will take place from August 29, 2012 to September 9, 2012;
Whereas, at the 2012 Olympic Games, over 200 nations will compete in over 300 events, and Team USA will compete in 246 events;
Whereas, at the 2012 Olympic Games, over 200 nations will compete in 39 disciplines, and Team USA will compete in 38 of those disciplines;
Whereas 529 Olympians and over 245 Paralympians will compete on behalf of Team USA in London, England;
Whereas Team USA has won 934 gold medals, 730 silver medals, and 643 bronze medals, totaling 2,307 medals over the past 25 Olympic Games;
Whereas the people of the United States stand united in respect and admiration for the members of the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams, and the athletic accomplishments, sportsmanship, and dedication to excellence of the teams;
Whereas the many accomplishments of the United States Olympic and Paralympic teams would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of many others, including the United States Olympic Committee and the many administrators, coaches, and family members who provided critical support to the athletes;
Whereas the Nation takes great pride in the qualities of commitment to excellence, grace under pressure, and good will toward other competitors exhibited by the athletes of Team USA; 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 of the athletes and coaches of Team USA and their families who support them;
(2) supports the athletes of Team USA in their endeavors at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games held in London, England;
(3) thanks all of the members of the United States Olympics Committee for their unwavering support of the athletes of Team USA; and
(4) supports the goals and ideals of the Olympic Games.