MADISON – In advance of this week’s Wisconsin Civics Games finals, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has written a letter congratulating competitors on their “admirable showing” in the inaugural games.

Sotomayor’s letter extends additional congratulations to the soon-to-be-crowned state champions, “who have demonstrated an impressive level of knowledge of their government, their rights, and their duties as members of a democracy.”

A copy of Sotomayor’s letter will be given to each member of the 11 teams competing in Friday’s Wisconsin Civics Games state finals. The letter also will be read prior to the start of the competition at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Read the full letter below: