In honor of tomorrow's Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics, U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) offered his congratulations and best wishes to the fourteen Minnesotans who have qualified to represent the United States at this year's games in London.

"I know I can safely speak on behalf of all Minnesotans when I say how proud we are of the athletes and coaches from our state that have been selected to compete against the world's greatest in London," said Sen. Franken. "These individuals have dedicated their lives to their sports and I wish them the absolute best of luck during these games. I look forward to personally congratulating them when they come home."

The United States will be represented by Minnesota athletes Seimone Augustus (basketball), Lindsey Berg (volleyball), Chas Betts (wrestling), Ali Bernard (wrestling), Rachel Bootsma (swimming), Kelci Bryant (diving), Kara Goucher (marathon), Megan Kalmoe (rowing), Alise Post (cycling), Susie Scanlan (fencing), Amanda Smock (track and field), and Lindsay Whalen (basketball); and coaches Roberto Sobalvarro (fencing) and Hugh McCutcheon (volleyball).