MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Carter, Robertson, Burton, Moffatt

A SENATE RESOLUTION TO COMMEND ERIN SIMS, 1997 CITGO FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR. 

WHEREAS, the spirit of amateur athletics is alive and well in Mississippi, with Mississippians involved in a wide range of sporting activities; and

WHEREAS, in just six years, the State Games of Mississippi have become a showcase for Mississippi's amateur athletes, providing an avenue for camaraderie, positive personal development and achievement through athletic competition; and

WHEREAS, during the last two weekends in June, the State Games of Mississippi bring together amateur athletes from across Mississippi to compete, complete with opening ceremonies, lighting of the torch, and a parade of athletes, with winners being awarded gold, silver and bronze medals; and

WHEREAS, in 1997, athletes ranging in age from four to 84 numbered more than 4,400 and competed in 22 sports; 80% of the competitors were under the age of 18; and

WHEREAS, the Games strive to instill pride in personal achievement, physical fitness and teamwork; and positive role models impart positive attitudes to all those who are a part of the endeavor; and

WHEREAS, the 1997 State Games of Mississippi were held in Meridian June 21-22 and June 27-29; and

WHEREAS, Erin Sims, a 16-year-old from Pascagoula, competed in five track and field events, winning five gold medals; and

WHEREAS, she won first place in the 1600 meter, 800 meter, 400 meter, 200 meter runs and the 4 x 400 meter relay; and

WHEREAS, Sims is a junior at Pascagoula High School, where she is a member of the varsity basketball and track and field teams, recently placing ninth in the 1500 meter run and fourteenth in the 800 meter run at the National Junior Olympics held in Baton Rouge; and

WHEREAS, she has been named to the Clarion Ledger All-State Track Team the past two years, and also plays soccer, tennis volleyball and runs cross-country; and

WHEREAS, the CITGO Athlete of the Year program was developed by the National Congress of State Games to honor the foremost male and female athlete from each member state; and

WHEREAS, Erin Sims was chosen Female Athlete of the Year not only for her golden participation, but also for her sportsmanship, effort and positive attitude; and

WHEREAS, Erin Sims and Alex Taylor will have the opportunity to be the official torch runners in the 1998 State Games opening ceremonies and work with the State Games of Mississippi throughout the year to promote athletics for all Mississippians; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Senate to commend excellence in achievement by the citizens of this great state, especially when exhibited by the youth of this state, who are her future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Erin Sims of Pascagoula for her achievement as the 1997 CITGO Female Athlete of the Year, and wish her success in all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Miss Sims and to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Sims.