MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2007 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Snowden, Barnett, Dickson, Holloway, Horne, Hudson, Robinson (84th), Weathersby, Young

House Resolution 70

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MS. WANDA JOHNSON FOR HER ATHLETICISM AND CONGRATULATING HER ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2006 AT&T FEMALE SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR FOR THE STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI HELD ANNUALLY IN MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI.

     WHEREAS, Ms. Wanda Johnson is a spirited and energetic 50-year-old volleyball player from Crystal Springs, Mississippi, who has been selected as the 2006 AT&T Female Sportsman of the Year for the State Games of Mississippi held annually in Meridian, Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, this celebrated award honors athletes who personify the ideals of the State Games, such as participation, sportsmanship, achievement, effort and positive attitude; and

     WHEREAS, all of the State Game's ideals are personified by Ms. Johnson's commitment to practice and when she competes and interacts socially with other athletes; and

     WHEREAS, her commitment to the sport is further evidenced by her 45-minute commute twice every weekend to participate in pick-up games at Liberty Park in Madison, Mississippi, to practice with the Jackson volleyball players, her travels to many of the popular tournament venues in Coconut Beach in New Orleans, Mangos in Baton Rouge, Fudpuckers in Ft. Walton Beach and any other tournaments she can find; and

     WHEREAS, although her passion for volleyball developed in her late 30s after her children were grown and out of the house, she plays very competitively in a sport that is dominated by males; and

     WHEREAS, she has competed in the State Games of Mississippi for 10 years and has won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in both the men's and women's division; and

     WHEREAS, for the last few years, she has continued to compete with a foot injury and remains an inspiration to all athletes:  male, female, young or old; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippi athletes who are an inspiration to all:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Ms. Wanda Johnson for her athleticism and congratulate her on being selected as the 2006 AT&T Female Sportsman of the Year for the State Games of Mississippi held annually in Meridian, Mississippi.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Wanda Johnson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.