For Immediate Release                                       Contact: Amanda Molk, 202-225-5256
February 20, 2003

Napolitano Joins Community to Honor Norwalk PONY League World Champions

Last night Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA38) presented the World Champion Norwalk PONY League with an official Congressional Record statement in their honor at their Baseball Banquet. The banquet was sponsored by the City of Norwalk and community leaders and businesses. “I was delighted to join other community leaders to honor the hard work and extraordinary accomplishment of the team members, volunteer coaches and managers, and parents,” said Napolitano.

Congresswoman Napolitano read the team the concurrent resolution passed by the House of Representatives last October to honor the team. She also presented each team member, coach and manager with a copy of her official statement honoring the Norwalk PONY League in the Congressional Record. “We often hear about young people in a negative light, with attention focused on drugs and gang violence. It is extremely important for Congress to recognize and applaud these young people who are enthusiastic, committed and hard working,” commented Napolitano.

Although the evening was focused on the young athletes, Napolitano did not want the adults who made important contributions to the team to go unrecognized. “These young athletes are truly remarkable, but they did not attain this level of achievement alone. I want to commend the coaches and manager who have volunteered their time to make the Norwalk PONY League a success along with the parents of each team member whose love and support have enriched each young athlete on this team,” the Congresswoman said.

Norwalk Toyota sponsored the team’s championship rings, which were presented at last night’s banquet. “I want to thank all of the community businesses, organizations and individuals who have come together to honor the Norwalk PONY League. My own children participated in the League year’s ago, and I know that its success can be attributed in part to the community’s enthusiastic support. I want to congratulate this outstanding team on their victory, and I look forward to next season,” Napolitano concluded.

Representative Grace F. Napolitano, 38th District of California
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