House Resolution 27

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING LARRY DUDLEY ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2019 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI AT&T OVERALL MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, Larry Dudley is the 2019 "Athlete of the Year" for the State Games of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, this award was created to celebrate and recognize Mississippi's amateur athletes by nominations from coaches, officials, athletes, volunteers, and spectators who choose one male, one female and one youth athlete who personifies the ideals of participation, sportsmanship, special attributes, achievements, efforts and positive attitudes of the State Games movement; and

WHEREAS, the chosen "Athletes of the Year" are honored with a visit to the Mississippi State Capitol, where the Governor bestows grand recognition upon them for their achievements and where they will have the honor and fame of lighting the torch during the 2020 Opening Ceremonies of the State Games; and

WHEREAS, a trail runner, Larry Dudley has been competing for over 60 years and makes sure to compete on a yearly basis in many area races because of his love for his community and the surrounding areas; and

WHEREAS, he combines his passion for running and giving back to his community through volunteering and donations by participating in 5k runs and community fundraisers, and he has medaled 18 times in the State Games of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, as a young adult, Larry was diagnosed with circulation issues that primarily affected his legs while playing sports, so he began his focus on running every other day and has continued this routine for more than 60 years, even persevering with dedicated physical therapy and water aerobics to overcome a herniated disc in 2006 that the doctors thought would keep him from ever running again; and

WHEREAS, Larry Dudley, who has run in several 5ks with his children and grandchildren since his recovery from the herniated disc, is an excellent role model for a balanced and healthy lifestyle, and is the perfect example of fitness and dedication that the State Games of Mississippi promotes; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize fine Mississippi athletes such as Larry Dudley as its "Male Athlete of the Year," who has brought honor to his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Larry Dudley on being selected as the 2019 State Games of Mississippi AT&T Overall Male Athlete of the Year, and express best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

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