  | ||
  |
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEBRUARY 15, 2002 CONGRESSMAN JOE BACA PAYS TRIBUTE TO SAN BERNARNDINO NATIVE, OLYMPIAN AND HERO DEREK PARRA
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday evening Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) addressed the House of Representatives in tribute to San Bernardino native son and Olympian Derek Parra. Following is Congressman Baca's statement: "Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of the America's new Olympic heroes. Like all Americans, I have been watching all of our athletes competing in the 2002 Games with great pride. We love the Olympics. We love international spirit and the thrill of competition, the joy of victory and the stories of struggle. The athletes capture our imagination and our hearts. I have been watching one athlete with particular pride, speed skater Derek Parra, winner of the silver medal in the 5,000-meter event. You see, Derek Parra is from my district. He went to school with my son, Joe Baca, Jr., in Rialto, and my family and I attend church with Derek's father, Gilbert Parra, at St. Catherine's in Rialto, California. Derek's family and friends gathered on Saturday at Graziano's Pizza Restaurant in Colton to watch the San Bernardino native break the world record in the 5,000-meter speed skating race with a time of 6 minutes, 17.98 seconds, beating his own best time by 15 seconds. Derek's silver medal win surprised the world. At 5 feet, 3 1/2 inches, Derek is a small man in a tall man's sport. He is known by his Nordic competitors as ``The Little Man with the Big Strokes.'' Derek's record-breaking performance and silver medal were a bit of a surprise to even the people who know him best, because the 5,000-meter is not his best race. Friends and family eagerly await his best event, which is the 1,500-meter race on February 19. Derek grew up in the west side of San Bernardino with his brother and single father. He attended Roosevelt Elementary School and Eisenhower High School. He first learned to skate at the Stardust Roller Rink in Highland, where he became an avid in-line skater. As a Mexican American youth growing up in southern California, Derek did not set foot on ice until he was 17 years of age. Derek would be 26 years old before he would switch from in-line skating to ice skating in 1996 in order to shoot for the Olympic gold. Derek's road to the Olympics have not been easy. He and his wife Tiffany have struggled to make ends meet while raising a little girl, Mia Elizabeth, while Derek trained for the Olympics. Unlike most skaters who train full time, Derek worked part time at a Home Depot to help support his family. Derek has doggedly pursued his dream against all odds. When people said he could not do it, he indicated he could do it, and he did do it. We do not have too many Winter Olympians from San Bernardino. The beauty of the Olympic Games is the opportunity they allow all of us to experience the glory and triumph through our athletes. We feel a connection with them and all the individuals that participated. The residents of San Bernardino watched their native son with pride as he broke the world record in the 5,000-meter skate to win the silver medal. As the first Mexican American to ever appear in the Winter Olympics, let alone win a medal, Derek has expanded the dreams of millions of Hispanic boys and girls throughout the United States and the world, giving them hope that you have an opportunity to compete in an area where many other individuals do not compete. Derek Parra is an American hero. One of eight Olympians chosen by fellow teammates to carry the American flag into the opening ceremonies, Derek accepted the honor even though his first race was the next day. While most athletes spend the night before a race resting, Derek jeopardized his medal chances to carry Old Glory. With two events left in the Games, Derek Parra has already made history and opened the world of possibility for Hispanic Americans. I will be rooting for Derek as he competes in the 1,500- and 10,000-meter races. Bring home the gold medal, Derek. San Bernardino and Rialto are behind you. We all pray for you. Our prayers are with you. We wish you the best. We know you will do the best. You have made us proud." # # # |
  |
