House Resolution 55

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING FAYE STOKES ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2013 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI AT&T FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, each year, the State Games of Mississippi nominates an outstanding male and female athlete from each individual sport who are chosen for merit and sportsmanship; and

WHEREAS, this year, the State Games are honoring athletes from 34 sports from the 2013 State Games of Mississippi, and from these 34 athletes, only two are chosen to receive the honor of "Athlete of the Year"; and

WHEREAS, the nominated athletes personify the ideals of the State Games movement, such as participation, sportsmanship, special attributes, achievements, efforts and positive attitudes, and the chosen "Athletes of the Year" will visit the State Capitol in Jackson, where the Governor will bestow them with a recognition of their achievement and they will have the honor and fame of lighting the torch at the 2014 State Games of Mississippi Opening Ceremonies; and

WHEREAS, the State Games keeps its entry fees low primarily through the generous donations of sponsors, including Founding Gold Sponsors: Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Rush Hospital; and Gold Sponsors: AT&T, Maples Gas, City of Meridian, McDonald's, Meridian-Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau/Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, Structural Steel, WTOK-TV and WMDN/WGBC-TV; and

WHEREAS, the 2013 "Female Athlete of the Year" is Faye Stokes, whose determination, strength, stamina, endurance and discipline are qualities that are demonstrated every day; and

WHEREAS, Faye has been competing in the State Games for 14 years as an archer and she has 24 gold medals and two bronze medals to show for her efforts, and not only is she a competitor, but she also volunteers her time to assist with the competition and is active in the archery community in the state and she currently helps organize and manage five shooting clubs; and

WHEREAS, competing is her passion, and she regularly participates in the Archery Shooter's Association World Shooting Organization and she also has placed second and third at the International Bowhunting Organization's World Tournament, and included in her numerous achievements is being named as the "Shooter of the Year" ten times for the Mississippi Archery Organization; and

WHEREAS, archery is a passion and way of life for Faye, who works full time for the company she and her husband share, Brian's Custom Lens, which produces lenses to give archers and hunters a clearer view of targets and is sold all over the world; and

WHEREAS, two years ago Faye was injured in a motorcycle accident that severely impacted the use of her arms and hands, rendering her unable to pull back a bow; however, with intense therapy and for the love of her sport, she was determined to shoot again; and

WHEREAS, Faye says that she owes her recovery to her husband, Brian, who helped her gain her strength where she came back a better archer, and in the 2013 State Games of Mississippi, Faye did come back and celebrates a gold medal she earned by outshooting most of the men and women who were shooting from the same distance; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize such an outstanding Mississippi citizen who has brought honor to her community and state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Faye Stokes on being selected as the 2013 State Games of Mississippi AT&T Female Athlete of the Year and extend best wishes to her in all of her future endeavors.

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