House Resolution 74

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MR. LEEROY CARPENTER ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2022 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI OVERALL MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, LeeRoy Carpenter is the 2022 Male Athlete of the Year for the 31st annual installment of the State Games of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, based on the national program, the State Games of Mississippi awards were created to celebrate and recognize Mississippi's amateur athletes by nominations from coaches, officials, athletes, volunteers, and spectators who choose one male, one female and one youth athlete who personifies the ideals of participation, sportsmanship, special attributes, achievements, efforts and positive attitudes of the State Games movement; and

WHEREAS, LeeRoy Carpenter, of DeKalb, Mississippi, a distance runner, who has participated in the 5K events for the past five years was victorious in the 5K event during the 2022 State Games; and

WHEREAS, one who has endured several personal health challenges throughout his life, Mr. Carpenter has surmounted the challenges of the various adversities faced and doubts cast by naysayers on his ability to overcome and has persevered with ardent tenacity; and

WHEREAS, having been run over by a truck as a child and informed by the doctor that he would never walk again, not only did Mr. Carpenter regain his ability to walk, but he ran with fervor, and was subsequently faced with a heart attack and two bouts with cancer over which he triumphed; and

WHEREAS, encouraged and inspired by his daughter to change his dietary approach and incorporate an exercise regimen into his daily routine, Mr. Carpenter gained a new lease on life which evidenced itself in the health benefits he enjoys while running alone, or as a form of bonding with his daughter, Latora; and

WHEREAS, a three-time Meridian half-marathon competitor, Mr. Carpenter brings a smile to each event wherein he competes and is an inspiration to his fellow participants; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize fine Mississippi athletes such as Mr. Carpenter as its "Male Athlete of the Year," who has brought 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, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Mr. LeeRoy Carpenter on being selected as the 2022 State Games of Mississippi Overall Male Athlete of the Year, and express best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

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