House Concurrent Resolution 90

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JOEY BRINSON UPON COMPETING FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN WHEELCHAIR FENCING AT THE 2016 SUMMER PARALYMPIC GAMES IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, AND FOR HIS NUMEROUS OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE SPORT.

WHEREAS, Joey Brinson, a resident of Florence, Mississippi, and a marvelous wheelchair fencer, was one of only two American wheelchair fencers to compete for the United States of America at the 2016 Summer Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from September 7-18, 2016; and

WHEREAS, the Rio Paralymic Games gave Joey his second opportunity to represent his country at the highest level of the sport, as he also competed in the 2012 London Paralympic Games for Wheelchair Fencing (saber), where he placed 14th; and

WHEREAS, after a car accident left him a paraplegic at age 17, the Florence High School football standout had to come to terms with a lifetime in a wheelchair, so he decided to find another outlet for his athleticism, and after his efforts at sled hockey, wheelchair racing, and snow skiing through the extensive adaptive sports program at Methodist Rehabilitation Center (MRC) in Jackson proved to be futile, his introduction to wheelchair fencing in 2006 rekindled his competitive spirit and literally expanded his world; and

WHEREAS, since becoming a charter member of the MRC Blade Rollers, the nation's largest wheelchair fencing team, Joey has become an icon and legend in the world of wheelchair fencing, which has taken him to 15 different countries and numerous international competitions; and

WHEREAS, Joey credits his love of wheelchair fencing and his success in the sport to MRC, which has provided equipment, coaching and travel funding while Joey has provided the hard work it takes to progress in a sport that is still relatively new in America; and

WHEREAS, after his first World Cup in Montreal in 2009 did not go as he expected, Joey began spending more time with local fencing coach David Williams of Ridgeland, Mississippi, and Maestro Les Stawicki of Louisville, Kentucky, who is the head of the United States Paralympic Fencing Team and a recent inductee to the United States Fencing Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Joey has earned several international fencing medals, including two silvers at the Americas Zonal Championship and a silver at the Pan American Wheelchair Championship, and he is currently ranked number one in the United States in Men's Saber and number 17 in the world in Category B Men's Saber; and

WHEREAS, Ginny Boydston of Jackson, Mississippi, the team manager for the United States Wheelchair Fencing Team, is part of the reason Joey has accomplished so much in wheelchair fencing, as she introduced wheelchair fencing to Mississippi through her role as the therapeutic recreation director for MRC; and

WHEREAS, another Florence High School graduate and fellow wheelchair fencer at the London games, Ryan Estep, helped Joey prepare and practice for the Rio games while Ginny worked on getting Joey a uniform, securing hubcap covers and making travel plans; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the hours Joey trains to compete in prestigious international competitions, he also inspires those around him who are in a similar position, including Ryan Estep and Graceyn Thrailkill, the daughter of his girlfriend, Holly Thrailkill; and

WHEREAS, Graceyn was paralyzed in 2008 when her family's van was hit by a drunk driver, but with the help of Joey's coaching, she has been able to win two gold medals in wheelchair fencing at the State Games of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the lives of fine Mississippi athletes, especially those such as Joey Brinson, whose dedication and triumph has inspired all Mississippians, both young and old, to strive for excellence, regardless of their circumstances, in all facets of their lives, bringing glory and honor to the Florence Community and this great Magnolia State:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Joey Brinson upon competing for the United States of America in wheelchair fencing at the 2016 Summer Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and for his numerous other achievements in the sport, and express deepest wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

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