John Sarbanes: “I rise today to commend the American athletes for their participation in the 2004 Olympic Games. These athletes made us…”

“I rise today to commend the American athletes for their participation in the 2004 Olympic Games. These athletes made us proud not only of their victories, but also of their sportsmanship. The heart, focus and perseverance exhibited by these men and women offered us an opportunity to reflect on the values and characteristics that embody the very best of the American Spirit. All of our athletes should be commended, but because they played a very prominent role in these games, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Maryland's Olympic athletes. This year, we were very fortunate to have fourteen Marylanders compete. This group of athletes, which included both the youngest and the oldest members of the U.S. team, represented Maryland and the United States with honor and dignity and excelled in their various competitions. Marylanders participated in a variety of sports ranging from swimming and track and field, to whitewater slalom canoeing and table tennis. Our State boasted household names like Michael Phelps and Carmelo Anthony as well as rising stars like Bernard Williams and Courtney Kupets. The delegation included individuals from all over the State, from the City of Annapolis to Howard County, from Bethesda to Gaithersburg to Baltimore City, and from Upper Marlboro to Towson and Abingdon. And although they come from a diversity of backgrounds, each demonstrated the common spirit of what it means to be a true Olympian.”