[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 17327] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO THE NORTHERN LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA ______ HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. of georgia in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 6, 2006 Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay special tribute and congratulate the 2006 Little League World Champions, the Northern Little League team of Columbus, Georgia. The victory by our Northern Little Leaguers over the undefeated Kawaguchi City team representing Japan, makes them only the second team from Georgia to win a World Championship. While a team from Marietta won in 1983, our team is only the second team from Georgia to ever qualify for this event in its entire 60 year history. As the Member of Congress representing Columbus and Muscogee County, Georgia, where most of the young men live, I can not tell you how proud we all are of this fine young team. The entire city and surrounding community was thrilled by the success of its native sons. The Columbus Northern Little League players are not only world champions; they are hometown heroes and celebrities as well. These young men represented the city of Columbus, the State of Georgia and indeed, our great nation, in the finest tradition of the Little League, and what it stands for and represents--teamwork, sportsmanship and camaraderie. The spirit of sportsmanship was no more apparent than this year. After winning the Championship game, the entire Columbus team walked over to their opponents dugout, and invited the Japanese team to help them hoist the championship banner and to join them in taking the victory lap around the field. Then, side by side, the two teams scooped up dirt from the infield to keep as souvenirs. I also want to pay tribute to the parents of these young men. Any parent of a little league baseball player, or for that matter, football, soccer or other sports knows and appreciates the love and commitment needed to be successful in these activities. Let me also pay tribute to the dedicated Columbus fans, hundreds of whom took the 900-mile trip to Williamsport from Columbus to support our team, as well as the other Little League teams in the Columbus area, and the many volunteers, sponsors and supporters who have dedicated themselves to Little League sports year after year. Throughout the World Series, it was clear that our Northern Little Leaguers were well schooled and prepared, which in large part, points to the hard work and dedication of the team's Manager--Randy Morris, and Coach--Richard Carter. But it was the members of the team themselves who had to put it all together on the field. And I would like to pay special tribute to each one of the team members individually, including: Brady Hamilton #6, Ryan Lang #18, Josh Lester #4, Matthew Hollis #10, Patrick Stallings #25, Mason Meyers #16, Kyle Rovig #8, Matthew Kuhlenberg #7, Cody Walker #21, Kyle Carter #19, and J.T. Phillips #22. Babe Ruth once said, ``Baseball was, is and always will be to me the best game in the world.'' And indeed, for the millions of Little League fans around the world, the 2006 Little League Championship game will go down as one of the best single games in the history of the event. ____________________