Sean Reyes: “on October 13, 2003, America was saddened by the death of Willie Shoemaker at the age of 72. Born in Fabens, TX, which I…”

“on October 13, 2003, America was saddened by the death of Willie Shoemaker at the age of 72. Born in Fabens, TX, which I represent, Shoemaker has truly been an inspiration to his family and his community alike. Arguably the most successful jockey in the history of horse racing, ``Shoe,'' lead the life of champions. Competing for the first time at the age of 18, Shoemaker retired in 1990 with an impressive 8,833 victories. Accomplishments such as winning four Kentucky Derbies, five Belmont Stakes, and three Preakness Stakes established Shoemaker among the elite; Willie Shoemaker is a member of thoroughbred racing's Hall of Fame and the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame. On April 8, 1991, just over a year after his retirement, Willie Shoemaker was involved in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Paralyzation did not diminish Shoemaker's character or spirit. As an honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Paralysis Project of America, the progress toward finding a cure for paralysis, by spinal cord injury, was greatly accelerated. I would like to thank the lead cosponsor of this resolution, Mr. Dreier of California, for his work on this resolution, as well as the Chairman and Ranking Member for helping bring this resolution to the floor. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor such an outstanding individual from my community. I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.”