Скачать или смотреть Congress honors former Saints' player battling ALS

(15 Jan 2020) FOR CLEAN VERSION SEE STORY NUMBER: apus129480

Former New Orleans Saints safety Steve Gleason received the highest honor Congress can award to a civilian when he received the Congressional Gold Medal at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday.
Gleason was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2011 and his charitable organization, Team Gleason, has provided almost $10 million in services to over 15,000 people living with ALS.
"Steve, in accepting this gold medal, the highest honor this Congress can bestow, you bring luster to this award, and you bring pride to our nation," said House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi.
Congress has awarded the medal to fewer than 200 people overall, and he is the first-ever NFL player to receive it.
Many of the speakers remembered the Saints first home game in the Superdome in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina, when Gleason blocked a punt by the Atlanta Falcons. The play became a symbol of New Orleans' rebirth after the historic storm, with a statue of Gleason erected outside the stadium.
"For the 13 years I've known Steve, if I were to sum up his attitude, his tenacity, his mantra, it would be it's not a matter of if we will accomplish the goal, it's only when," said Saints quarterback Drew Brees.
"It's not a matter of if he will block the punt, it's when. It's not a matter of if the Saints will win the Super Bowl, it's when. It's not a matter if we will develop technology and innovation to improve the quality of life. ALS patients, it's when."
Gleason was accompanied by his wife, Michel, and his son, Rivers. He thanked the members of Congress and the attendees, which included NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue.
"This award from the elected officials who represent the people of the United States of America is a sublime honor for me," Gleason said.
"But I feel that more importantly, I feel that this honor represents some joy, encouragement and even triumph for the tens of thousands of extraordinary families currently enduring life with ALS," he said.

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