MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Snowden, Dickson, Ellis, Horne, Nicholson, Roberson, Robinson (84th), Young

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING EVAN SANFORD OF STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, THE 2000 STATE GAMES SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, the State Games of Mississippi has selected Evan Sanford of Starkville, Mississippi, to represent the 2000 State Games as the BellSouth Sportsman of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the award seeks to honor those athletes who personify the ideals of the State Games movement, such as participation, sportsmanship, achievement, effort and positive attitude; and

WHEREAS, the ninth annual State Games of Mississippi was an impressive success with over 4,500 athletes representing 71 counties in Mississippi and competing in 24 sports around the Lauderdale and Newton Counties, with central ceremonies at Rae Stadium in Meridian, Mississippi, with over 400 volunteers from across Mississippi helping with the games; and

WHEREAS, Evan participated in the 1st annual State Games of America, winning a Gold medal in the 14-under singles division; Evan has participated in the State Games of Mississippi since the first games in 1992; during the 2000 State Games of Mississippi, Evan was a member of the 16-under soccer team from Starkville; Evan did not participate in the youth tennis the following weekend due to being selected to play in England on the World Exchange Tennis team representing the USA; and

WHEREAS, Evan has played soccer and tennis since the age of five; he has been a member of the Starkville High School team since the 7th grade; he also plays soccer for the Starkville Yellow Jackets; he has received the Most Improved Tennis Player Award (1998-1999) and the Most Valuable Tennis Player Award (1999-2000) while attending Starkville High. While playing for the USA team in England, Evan won all of his matches playing in the singles, doubles and mixed doubles division; Evan is an honor student, member of First United Methodist Church, and an active member of the Methodist youth group; and

WHEREAS, along with his parents, Dr. Evan and Doris Sanford, it is with great pride that we recognize the achievements of this student athlete, whose competitive spirit brings honor to his school, 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 Evan Sanford of Starkville, Mississippi, the 2000 State Games Sportsman of the Year, and wish him continued success in his future scholastic and athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Evan, his family and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.