House Resolution 96

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DAVID CARR ON BEING SELECTED AS MALE SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR FOR THE 2003 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, David Carr of Meridian, Mississippi, was selected as Male Sportsman of the Year for the 2003 State Games of Mississippi; 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, between 1982 and 1993, Mr. Carr and his oldest son, Dave, competed in several athletic events, including 5K runs, marathons, bicycle time trials, triathlons, and duathlons; and

WHEREAS, an avid businessman, Mr. Carr stopped competing in races in 1993 to concentrate on his martial arts training, which he began in 1977, receiving his 1st degree black belt in karate in 1982; and

WHEREAS, after the sudden and unexpected death of his karate instructor, Mr. Carr began his training under internationally renowned Grandmaster, Dr. Hee Young Kimm, and under whose tutelage, he became accomplished in several styles of martial arts in the United States, Korea, China and Japan; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Carr now holds a 1st degree black belt in Kum Do, a 2nd degree in Tae Kwon Do, a 3rd degree in both karate and hapkido, and is a 5th degree Master Han Mu Do; and

WHEREAS, at age 50, Mr. Carr resumed his training for the State Games, and competed in running, biking, triathlons, off-road events, biathlons and kayaking; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Carr demonstrates the true spirit of the State Games of Mississippi as he is committed to doing his very best to compete in numerous events in which he has excelled during his years of participation, and he enjoys the competition and has respect for the athletes, volunteers, and staff who work, plan and implement this annual classic; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians such as David Carr, who has been a remarkable inspiration for people throughout Mississippi; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we commend and congratulate David Carr on being selected as Male Sportsman of the Year for the 2003 State Games of Mississippi and express our heartiest wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to David Carr and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.