Senate Concurrent Resolution 586

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING KEN HALL BARNETT ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2017 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI AT&T MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, based on the national program, the State Games of Mississippi established the annual "Athlete of the Year" Award to recognize Mississippi's amateur athletes. Coaches, officials, athletes, volunteers, and spectators nominated one male and one female athlete from each of the 37 sports for the award. The nominated athletes personify the ideals of the State Games movement, such as participation, sportsmanship, special attributes, achievements, efforts, and positive attitudes; and

WHEREAS, Financial Consultant Ken Hall Barnett is a big fan of Pickleball, which was a new sport at the State Games this year. "I played in the Mid-South Regional at the University of Louisiana and won a Silver Medal in the Men's Doubles for 60+. My doubles partner and I spearheaded the effort to bring Pickleball to the Country Club of Jackson, and we now have more than 50 members of our club playing"; and

WHEREAS, Ken Hall Barnett entered the 60 & Over Men's Singles, Doubles and Mixed Doubles at this year's State Games, and won in all events. "I played tennis for a long time," he said, "and now really enjoy Pickleball." Ken Hall has been in the investment industry for 35 years, and is married to Cherri Barnett, a longtime Teacher and Director of Ballet Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, this year, the State Games are honoring athletes from 37 sports from the 2017 State Games of Mississippi. From these 37 athletes, only three are chosen to receive the honor of "Athlete of the Year." The State Games keeps its entry fees low primarily through the generous donations of sponsors, including Founding Gold Sponsor: Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Rush Hospital; and Gold Sponsors: AT&T, BlueCross BlueShield of Mississippi, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians/Pearl River Resort, Meridian-Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau/Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, Structural Steel, WTOK-TV, The Meridian Star and WMDN/WGBC-TV. The chosen "Athletes of the Year" will visit the State Capitol in Jackson, where the Governor will bestow them with a recognition of their achievement and they will have the honor and fame of lighting the torch at the 2018 Opening Ceremonies of the State Games; and

WHEREAS, Ken Hall Barnett is an excellent role model for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. He is the perfect example of fitness and dedication that the State Games of Mississippi promotes; and

WHEREAS, the State Games of Mississippi is proud to have Ken Hall Barnett as its "Male Athlete of the Year," and it is with great pride that we recognize this Mississippi athlete who has brought honor to his community and state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Ken Hall Barnett on being selected as the 2017 State Games of Mississippi AT&T Male Athlete of the Year, and express best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Ken Hall Barnett and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.