House Concurrent Resolution 62

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING COOPER CONNER FOR BEING SELECTED AS THE 2021 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI OVERALL YOUTH ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, Cooper Conner is the 2021 State Games of Mississippi Overall Youth Athlete of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Cooper's resilience was tested in March 2020 when he fractured his ankle during a game, and was confined to a wheelchair, and transitioning to crutches before he could walk again, yet he came back faster and stronger, playing with his team in August 2020; and

WHEREAS, Cooper, the 12-year-old Youth Athlete of the Year from Wiggins, Mississippi, faced a devastating time before his first soccer game, due to his father's suffering a massive heart attack, and having to shoulder the weight of worry during his travels to Meridian to stay with his soccer coach and team while his dad lay in surgery; and

WHEREAS, mustering the courage to surmount the immense fear of uncertainty associated with his father's health, Cooper evidenced a respectable level of bravery and maturity when he said "I know my Dad would want me to play, and I can't let my coach or teammates down"; and

WHEREAS, while Cooper played in the soccer competition Saturday, his father died that afternoon, and even after hearing and digesting the awful news, Cooper decided to remain and play the Sunday games in honor of his father, and even made a goal during the Sunday game from a penalty kick; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Cooper Conner, whose resilience and zealous dedication to his family and his team, bring honor to his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Cooper Conner on being selected as the 2021 State Games of Mississippi Overall Youth Athlete of the Year, and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

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