Hoyer Floor Statement on Bill Allowing for Greater Washington-Area Soap Box Derby
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) spoke on the House Floor in support of his resolution allowing the 73rd Annual Greater Washington Soap Box Derby to take place on the United States Capitol grounds. This is the 23rd year Congressman Hoyer has sponsored the resolution, which draws youth from around the National Capital Region to compete in the race. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery and a link to the video:
Click here to watch the video.
"Mr. Speaker, for the 23rd straight year, I am proud to sponsor this resolution allowing the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association to hold its 73rd annual race on the grounds of the United States Capitol on June 14.
"This is a long standing tradition that brings young people from around the area to the capitol for a fun and educational event.
"In 1938, Norman Rocca beat 223 other racers to win the inaugural Greater Washington Soap Box Derby, which was held on New Hampshire Avenue.
"Over the years, thousands of the region's young people have participated in this great race. Dozens of boys and girls, ranging in age from eight to seventeen, are divided into three divisions: stock, super stock, and masters.
"The local winner of each division will qualify to compete with racers from around the world in the All-American Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio.
"America's soap box derbies have been called ‘the greatest amateur racing event in the world.'
"Every year, they bring young people together with their parents and teach sportsmanship, hard work, and pride of accomplishment. The spirit of competition that fuels these racers is the same spirit that has long energized our nation's businesses and innovators.
"The young participants in these derbies are often sponsored by community groups, police departments, fire departments, and others who recognize in them great promise for the future.
"I continue to be incredibly proud of those from Maryland's Fifth District who participate.
"We've celebrated a number of soap box derby champions from the Fifth District, including the winners from 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2013. The winners in 2007 and 2008 went on to prevail in the national championship.
"All of last year's winners were from Maryland's Fifth District: Aspen Tomasello, who won the stock division; Brittany Sorli, who won the super stock division; and Jay Warnick, who won the master division and went on to become the third St. Mary's County resident to win the All American Soap Box Derby in six years. We are very proud of them all.
"I want to thank those members who have cosponsored this resolution, Representatives Gerry Connolly, John Delaney, Donna Edwards, Jim Moran, Eleanor Holmes-Norton, Chris Van Hollen, and Frank Wolf.
"I urge my colleagues to support this resolution – and to come see the Soap Box Derby in action."