James M. Jeffords: “it came to me as no surprise that again today I have the pleasure to rise and recognize the gold medal effort of a…”

“it came to me as no surprise that again today I have the pleasure to rise and recognize the gold medal effort of a Vermonter on the halfpipe yesterday in Park City, UT at the 2002 Winter Olympics. Ross Powers, who hails from South Londonderry, VT, won the men's snowboarding halfpipe event, a sport that traces its roots back to Vermont, riding a Burton snowboard, which was built in Vermont. Ross, who led the American sweep of a Winter Olympic event in 46 years, turned 23 on Sunday but is no novice at high competition. In Nagano, Japan 4 years ago, Ross brought home a bronze medal for his country. But his performance yesterday was truly special: it earned him a first-place finish and led the way for Danny Kass and J.J. Thomas to win the sliver and bronze medals, respectively. Three Americans stood atop the podium, and Americans watching everywhere cheered them on. On behalf of all Vermonters, and all Americans, Ross, congratulations, good luck, and thank you for giving your best yesterday in Utah.”