Senate Resolution 33

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DAVID CARR UPON BEING SELECTED BELLSOUTH MALE SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR AT THE 2003 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, David Carr, a 50-year-old track and field and martial arts enthusiast from Meridian, Mississippi, has been selected as the BellSouth Male Sportsman of the Year at the 2003 State Games of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, David Carr was born on January 23, 1953, in Meridian, Mississippi. He graduated from Meridian Senior High School in 1971 and attended Meridian Community College. In 1974, he married Jennifer Neal and in February of 2004 they celebrated their 30th Wedding Anniversary. They have 3 children, Dave, Shelby and Jason; and

WHEREAS, in 1982, David received his 1st Degree in Karate after an 18-hour continuous black belt test and has not missed a day of training. Since running, biking, swimming, stretching and weightlifting were all part of his normal training, one of his karate students encouraged him to begin to train for a local triathlon; and

WHEREAS, between 1989 and 1993, David and his oldest son Dave competed in several athletic events from 5k runs to marathons, from bicycle time trials to a criterium through the streets of Meridian. He also competed in several triathlons and duathlons. He once won a local duathlon running the last 2-mile run barefooted; and

WHEREAS, under the direction of Grandmaster Hee Young Kimm, David trained in several styles of martial arts in the United States, Korea, China and Japan, he now holds a 1st Degree Black Belt in Kum Do (sword fighting), 2nd Degree in Tae Kwon Do, 3rd Degree in Karate, 3rd Degree in Hapkido and is a 5th Degree Master in Han Mu Do; and

WHEREAS, in January of 2003, his youngest son Jason (now 22 years old) told his Dad that he was considering competing in a triathlon and wondered if he would like to train and race with him. David was excited that he would have a chance to train with Jason and just as he had done with Dave 10 years earlier. Now both of his sons train and compete regularly; and

WHEREAS, this year at age 50, David has competed in, not only running, biking and triathlons, but he has also competed in the off-road events, biathlon and kayaking; and

WHEREAS, David and his brother Russell run the family business, Truckers Supply, and David also owns Black Eagle Martial Arts where he and Jennifer teach traditional martial arts, kickboxing, aerobics and yoga. He is also active in his church where he sings in the choir, plays the guitar and helps teach children on Sunday evenings; and

WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize the outstanding accomplishments of this remarkable sportsman who brings honor to 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 and congratulate David Carr of Meridian, Mississippi, for being selected as the 2003 BellSouth Male Sportsman of the Year, and wish him continued success in his future athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to David Carr and his family and be made available to The Meridian Star and the Capitol Press Corps.