Senate Concurrent Resolution 568

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING RAY GILDEA ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2018 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI AT&T OVERALL 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, for more than 27 years, Ray Gildea of Madison has been competing in track and field, road racing and marathon running. With more than 118 medals won in the State Games of Mississippi, Gildea has also competed in the Senior Olympics for the past 15 years and run 161 marathons. "The challenge of sustaining a track season every year while in perpetual marathon training is hard, because of minor injuries," said the sixty-five-year-old. "In qualifying for the National Senior Games, I pulled a calf muscle and had to compete hurt the rest of the way. Two weeks later, I did recover sufficiently to earn two Golds, a Silver and a Bronze in the USA Track and Field Southeast Region Masters Championships"; and

WHEREAS, this year, the State Games are honoring athletes from 37 sports in the 2018 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 2019 Opening Ceremonies of the State Games; and

WHEREAS, Ray Gildea 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 Ray Gildea 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 Ray Gildea on being selected as the 2018 State Games of Mississippi AT&T Overall 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 Ray Gildea and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.