Mr. DODD. Mr. President, now that the Special Olympics World Games have come to a close, I rise to again thank those who made this remarkable event possible. As my colleagues know, these games were held July 1-9 in New Haven, CT. This tremendous competition brought the world to Connecticut, and I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge some of the individuals who made it possible.

Were it not for the dreams and vision of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics would not exist. This outstanding organization has flourished since she launched it, and it has left an extraordinary mark on the athletes, their families, their coaches and friends. I applaud Eunice, her husband, Sarge Shriver, and all the members of their family who have given so much to the Special Olympics throughout the years.

In New Haven, we were fortunate to have a member of the Shriver family at the helm of the 1995 World Games. I congratulate Tim Shriver on a job well done. The success of these games is due in large part to his hard work, dedication and leadership. I know Tim would agree, however, that this great success would not have been possible without the help and support of Chairman Lowell Weicker, the Special Olympics staff, the hundreds of volunteers and the cooperation and support of the New Haven community. I thank Mayor John Destefano and all the residents of New Haven for contributing in so many ways to this important event.

Cities and towns across Connecticut were fortunate to serve as host communities for delegations from each of the participating countries. This host program enabled families throughout the state to open their homes and their hearts to our visitors from abroad. This program proved invaluable for the hosts and the guests as cultures were commingled, traditions were shared and lifelong friendships were forged. I thank each of the communities and families that offered their hospitality to the world.

As with any event of this scale, the Special Olympics required significant financial support. I am proud to commend the many companies in Connecticut and throughout the country that donated hours of work and millions of dollars as corporate sponsors of these World Games.

Most importantly though, I want to recognize the athletes who competed in the Special Olympics. That is what these games are all about. From bowling to bocce, soccer to tennis, aquatics to equestrian sports, athletes from across the world came together to demonstrate their strength, dedication and skill. The athletic abilities of these individuals are tremendous, and their ability to overcome obstacles to make it to New Haven is even more awesome.

Indeed it is inspiring to see what each of these individuals has accomplished. It is the athletes, friends, families and the coaches who dedicated themselves to this competition who deserve our highest commendation. Their enthusiasm and spirit was infectious, and we sincerely thank them for sharing their talent with us during these Olympic Games.

All the athletes came together during the opening ceremonies, one of the most memorable parts of these games. I will always remember the proud contingents of athletes from throughout the world entering the Yale Bowl to open the Olympics. They were greeted by the President of the United States and leaders of countries from El Salvador to Botswana and beyond. This spectacular event signaled the start of the World Games and kicked off a week of serious athletic competition and fun.

The opening ceremonies also launched a week-long demonstration of the ability of the human spirit to soar. There are members of every community who live each day with mental retardation and disabilities. We stopped this week to hear them say: `Watch us. We can do great things. We can bring you together and show you our strengths.'

It is a lesson that we are fortunate to have learned. It is a message we should hear loud and clear and one that we should continue to heed in all that we do. In closing, I urge each of you to remember the Special Olympics athletes' oath as you confront the challenges in your life: Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.

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