02.06.14

On the Eve of the Opening Ceremonies, Durbin Honors Olympic Athletes from Illinois

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – With the Opening Ceremonies for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games to be held tomorrow morning, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today honored the athletes from Illinois who will be competing in Sochi, Russia.

 

“Tomorrow, hundreds of athletes from across the world will gather in Sochi, Russia for the opening ceremonies of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. It is a time when almost all the nations of the world come together in the spirit of peace and cooperation to celebrate the best of human capabilities,” Durbin said.

 

“Among those marching in the Parade of Nations will be eleven athletes from Illinois. In addition to these eleven Illinois athletes completing for Team USA, there will also be ten Blackhawks players hitting the ice in Sochi, representing five different nations.”

 

“Each of these athletes arrives in Sochi as a result of years of perseverance and hard work. Some have proudly represented the United States at previous Olympic Games. For others, Sochi will be their first time competing on the international stage. I congratulate all the athletes from Illinois, and every athlete representing his or her country at these Olympic Games. I look forward to watching them over the coming weeks as they compete for Olympic gold.”