Sports unites all legislators each session. No matter what political party or affiliation, nothing matches the excitement of your favorite team winning a championship. Memorabilia and photos in our collection demonstrates the pride of all Members.
Olympic Road Trials and National Champtionships Banner (20th Century) by Representative Rick GeistPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Tour de' Toona
The International Tour de ‘Toona was an annual bicycle race held in central Pennsylvania. Inspired by the thought of a summertime event to boost tourism and raise money for the Altoona area, Rep. Rick Geist and local officials started a bicycle race.
International Tour De 'Toona Memorabilia 3 by Representative Rick GeistPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Starting out as a one-day event, over the years, the race gained in popularity and eventually became the largest professional cycling event in North America.
International Tour De 'Toona Memorabilia 2 by Representative Rick GeistPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
In 1992, Altoona was selected as the host for the U.S. Cycling Olympic Road Trials and National Championships. The region was selected due to its similar terrain and climate to Barcelona, Spain where the 1992 Summer Olympics were held.
Marcia Hahn Citation to Special Olympics (21st Century) by Representative Marcia HahnPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Special Olympians
The Special Olympics celebrates athletes with physical and/or intellectual disabilities by providing year round sports training and events. Pennsylvania's first athletes participated back in 1969.
Here is Representative Marcia Hahn with members of the USA Special Olympics Team.
Lynn Herman with Special Olympians 3 (20th Century) by Representative Lynn HermanPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Members often host events in their districts. Here is Representative Lynn Herman with Special Olympians in his district.
Women's Softball Uniform (20th Century) by Dawn ReesePennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
Women's softball uniform from the bipartisan softball team in the 1970s and 1980s.
Urbs vs. Burbs Game Urbs vs. Burbs Game Teams (20th Century) by Representative Dwight EvansPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Urbs vs. Burbs
Urban versus Suburban Legislators ca. 1985
Beginning in 2012, the Pennsylvania Legislative Services hosted a series of softball games in which Pennsylvania Representatives and Senators competed on teams divided by East and West — later to be named “Yinz” vs. “Youse.” The games raised money for Feeding Pennsylvania and Hunger-Free Pennsylvania.
Bethlehem-Center High School Football (21st Century) by Representative H. William DeWeesePennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Memorabilia
Objects collected by House Members that honor sports teams and sports events in their districts
Autographed Football, Bethlehem-Center High School, 2009
Williams Valley High School Softball (21st Century) by Representative Michael TobashPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Autographed Softball, Williams Valley High School Softball Team, 2019 State Champions
Bowling Medal (21st Century) by Representative Garth EverettPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Strike Out Social Stigma Bowling Medal, 2017
Members attend various district sporting events throughout the year that support larger missions, like "Strike Out Social Stigma".
Patricia Vance Golf Outing Memorabilia by David ReddecliffPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Pat Vance Annual Golf Outing Items
Many Members hold golf outings for annual fundraisers.
Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins Memorabilia Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins Memorabilia (20th Century) by Representative Kevin BlaumPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Program and hockey puck from the Inaugural Season of the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins
Hockey Jersey
Representative David J. Mayernik sponsored over 100 youth hockey players through the creation of the Avonworth Northgate Hockey Association because schools in his district could not afford to fund individual hockey teams.
House of Representative Softball Team (20th Century) by Representative David SweetPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
House of Representatives Softball Team Photograph, 1983-1984
Members of the General Assembly all root for the Pennsylvania team whether that's in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia or anywhere in between.
