House Concurrent Resolution 39

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING LEWIS SCOTT GRAY, JR., ON BEING SELECTED THE 2024 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, Lewis Scott Gray, Jr., of Meridian, Mississippi, is the 2024 Male Athlete of the Year for the 33rd annual installment of the State Games of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the State Games of Mississippi, offering top-level competition in more than 40 sports, created the annual Athlete of the Year award to recognize and celebrate Mississippi's amateur athletes who personify ideals of the State Games movement such as participation, sportsmanship, special attributes, achievements, effort and positive attitude, and each year, a Male, Female and Youth Athlete of the Year are chosen from nominations made by coaches, officials, athletes, volunteers and spectators; and

WHEREAS, Scott Gray has participated in the State Games of Mississippi for more than 30 years, both as a participant and a sport commissioner, and fondly recalls setting up nets for the volleyball tournaments and pushing hard to make volleyball an enduring State Games sport in the competition's early years; and

WHEREAS, despite having undergone three knee surgeries, the 60-year-old athlete has been involved in the sport of volleyball for more than 44 years and has amassed numerous medals at the State Games over the years, including three gold medals and many silver and bronze medals; and

WHEREAS, the 2024 State Games, which welcomed more than 5,000 athletes, were no exception, with his team having brought home the silver medal, yet Scott Gray humorously points out that he felt more proud just being able to compete in the summer heat; and

WHEREAS, outside the State Games, Scott Gray has competed in multiple tournaments while coaching soccer for 20 years and raising three kids who love to play along with his loving wife, Dawn Marie, whose faithful support he credits as having made it all possible; and

WHEREAS, it is the custom of the Legislature to recognize fine Mississippi athletes such as Scott Gray, the 2024 State Games of Mississippi Male Athlete of the Year, whose commitment to excellence, hard work and outstanding achievements have brought honor to his community and the entire 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 Lewis Scott Gray, Jr., on being selected the 2024 State Games of Mississippi Male Athlete of the Year and express our sincerest wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Lewis Scott Gray, Jr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.