House Resolution 37

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS TEAMS OF MISSISSIPPI FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE 2011 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD SUMMER GAMES IN ATHENS, GREECE, AND AT THE 2011 USA NATIONAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT HELD IN ELGIN, ILLINOIS.

WHEREAS, from June 25, 2011, through July 4, 2011, Mississippi's delegation of three athletes and one unified partner traveled to Athens, Greece, to compete in the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, two Mississippi athletes, Ben Rogers and Erin Showah, competed in bowling and Lee Anne Bertucci and Frank Bertucci, Lee Anne's unified partner, competed in sailing; and

WHEREAS, from August 25, 2011, until August 28, 2011, Mississippi's qualifying softball team competed in the 2011 Special Olympics USA National Softball Tournament in Elgin, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi's softball athletes were coached and inspired by Tony Parsons, Sandy Hearn, Dianne Scallions and Paul Rogers; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi's softball delegation also included Mandy Rogers, Sandra Showah and Connie Robinson; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi's World Games delegation and the USA Softball Tournament Team are supported by numerous family members, area directors and many other dedicated volunteers; and

WHEREAS, through participation in the Special Olympics, these marvelous individuals are afforded an opportunity and are encouraged to develop their physical and mental skills, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate 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 the 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, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize excellence, especially when evidenced by the citizens of this state, such as these Special Olympics athletes:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the Special Olympics Teams of Mississippi for their outstanding achievements at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games and at the 2011 Special Olympics USA National Softball Tournament.

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