MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Young, Bourdeaux, Horne, Robinson (84th)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING MS. MARY COPELAND ON BEING NAMED THE 1998 BELLSOUTH FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AT THE 1998 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Ms. Mary Copeland, a resident of Meridian, Mississippi, was named the 1998 BellSouth Female Athlete of the Year, which is a program that strives to honor athletes who represent pride in personal achievement, physical fitness and teamwork along with exemplary motivation, attitude and sportsmanship; and

WHEREAS, the 1998 State Games of Mississippi were held in Meridian on June 19-28, 1998, where more than 4,400 athletes ranging in age from 4 to 84 competed in 22 sports; and

WHEREAS, the State Games of Mississippi bring together amateur athletes from across the state to compete in an Olympic atmosphere, complete with opening ceremonies, lighting of the torch and a parade of athletes vying for gold, silver and bronze medals; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Copeland, a 62-year-old athlete, has been a competitive bowler for 29 years and a State Games athlete for the past five years; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Copeland has won numerous awards in both Senior Olympics and the State Games, taking home gold and silver medals in bowling; and

WHEREAS, earning a place on the Bowling Mixed Doubles Team, Ms. Copeland participated in the Senior Olympics in Orlando, Florida, where over 11,000 athletes attended; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being a remarkable athlete, Ms. Copeland is an avid supporter and volunteer for the State Games, and she hosts the State Games Bowling event; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Copeland has encouraged numerous athletes with special needs and has given them the opportunity to participate in bowling competitions and to experience the Olympic spirit; and

WHEREAS, exemplifying sportsmanship, effort and a positive attitude, Ms. Copeland was chosen the BellSouth Female Athlete of the Year for her golden participation and outstanding character traits; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Copeland will have the opportunity to be one of the official torch runners in the 1999 State Games opening ceremonies and work with the State Games of Mississippi throughout the year to promote athletics for all Mississippians; and

WHEREAS, the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi finds it most appropriate to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by such an outstanding citizen as Ms. Copeland:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Ms. Mary Copeland of Meridian, Mississippi, on being named the 1998 BellSouth Female Athlete of the Year, and extend our heartiest wishes to her for success in all her future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Mary Copeland and the Capitol Press Corps.