MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Ross, Kirby

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING JONATHAN WEST OF BRANDON, MISSISSIPPI, ON HIS KARATE SKILLS AND CONGRATULATING HIM FOR REPRESENTING MISSISSIPPI ON TEAM AMERICA AT THE WORLD ORGANIZATION OF MARTIAL ARTS MILLENNIUM GAMES IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA.

WHEREAS, Jonathan West, a 9-year-old from Brandon, Mississippi, is the only competitor from Mississippi on Team America which will represent the United States in the World Organization of Martial Arts Millennium Games being held in Sydney, Australia; and

WHEREAS, the City of Brandon, school officials, his church and many friends and family are preparing a send-off celebration for Jonathan and his parents, Mickie and Tony West, to take place on March 27, 2000, which is his ninth birthday; and

WHEREAS, Jonathan has been taking karate from Norma Jean Gober for almost five years, and is a high orange belt; his first lesson was on his fourth birthday and now on his ninth birthday he is headed to compete in a world championship tournament; and

WHEREAS, his style is Traditional Okanowan Shotokan, he has been competing nationally for two years and this past September he competed in one of the nation's largest international tournaments - The Battle of Atlanta - which was a qualifying tournament for the World Organization of Martial Arts Athletes World Games called "The Millennium Games" in Sydney, Australia; Tae-Kwon-Do sparring is an Olympic Sport for the first time this year, and in order to qualify for the United States team, competitors had to place in the top three in their division at The Battle of Atlanta where Jonathan competed in three events: Traditional Kata, Weapons Kata, and Sparring; he competed against 31 competitors from all over the world in Traditional Katas, and he qualified for Team America; and

WHEREAS, he is the only competitor from Mississippi and the lone Mississippian on the United States team which is made up of approximately 300 competitors from children to adults in all divisions; 30 countries will be involved in the Millennium Games, and Jonathan has been training heavily for the fast-approaching event where he will be competing in Traditional Forms, Weapons Forms, Musical Weapons Forms and Sparring; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the skill and accomplishments of this young Mississippian, who has brought honor to his family, his school, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Jonathan West of Brandon, Mississippi, on his karate skills and congratulate him and wish him continued success in representing the United States as the only Mississippian on Team America at the World Organization of Martial Arts Millennium Games in Sydney, Australia.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Jonathan West and his parents, Mickie and Tony West, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.