House Concurrent Resolution 50

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSISSIPPI TEAM.

WHEREAS, on June 21 through June 29, 2003, Mississippi's delegation of forty athletes, coaches and support delegates, one of the largest groups from the United States, competed in Dublin, Ireland, at the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi's athletes competed in aquatics, badminton, basketball, equestrian, gymnastics, sailing, and table tennis; and

WHEREAS, through great strength and spirit, these athletes won nineteen gold medals, nine silver medals, fourteen bronze medals, five fourth-place ribbons, one fifth-place ribbon, three sixth-place ribbons and two seventh-place ribbons; and

WHEREAS, through their participation in Special Olympics, these marvelous individuals are afforded an opportunity and are encouraged to develop their physical and mental skills, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participation in the sharing of gifts of skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community; and

WHEREAS, in Special Olympics the emphasis is not upon physical strength, speed or endurance of the human body, but upon their faith, spirit and determination that bespeaks the true character and worth of all human beings; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi's Special Olympic athletes were coached and inspired by Helen Parish, Head of Delegation, Cathryn Patton, Debra (Debbie) Waller, Becky Johnson, Chris Barnes, Freddie Townsend, Keri Rediker and Becky Wells; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi's Special Olympics delegations included Janie Allen and Ron Mucha and the support of numerous family members, area directors and other volunteers; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the citizens of this state, who have brought much honor and pride to the State of Mississippi and the United States through their dynamic display of perseverance and sportsmanship:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Special Olympics Mississippi Team for their outstanding achievements and extend best wishes for all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the members of the Special Olympics Mississippi Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.