House Concurrent Resolution 61

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING HUNTER LUIS MELENDEZ ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2021 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI OVERALL MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, Hunter Luis Melendez is the 2021 Male 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, Hunter Luis Melendez, a 22-year-old resident of Laurel, Mississippi, a Track and Field Contender, was victorious in the 100-meter and 200-meter Track and Field events during the 2021 State Games; and

WHEREAS, one who is no stranger to having overcome the challenges of adversity and placing your athletic dreams on hold, Hunter Luiz Melendez opted to decline numerous collegiate offers to run track in order to serve as caretaker for his ailing grandmother, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease; and

WHEREAS, despite the seemingly insurmountable odds after breaking his foot in 2017, which rendered him unable to complete the last month of his senior year of high school in the competitive sports arena, coupled with ongoing family crises, Hunter sought out a remarkable coach, and summoned the strength to persevere, maxing out at his personal best run times in the 100-meter and 200-meter to capture the State Games gold in those events, which were added tangible trophies of his determination and grit to be showcased with his previous State Game gold finishes in 2018, 2019 and 2020; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize fine Mississippi athletes such as Hunter Luis Melendez 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, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Hunter Luis Melendez on being selected as the 2021 State Games of Mississippi 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 Hunter Luis Melendez and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.