Bill Text: MS HC20 | 2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Loretta Claiborne and Special Olympics MS Athletes; commend achievements of.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2012-02-21 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC20 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2012-HC20-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Martinson
House Concurrent Resolution 20
(As Adopted by House and Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES OF MISSISSIPPI FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN ATHLETICS AND WELCOMING SPECIAL OLYMPIAN LORETTA CLAIBORNE TO OUR STATE.
WHEREAS, on this day, March 7, 2012, we welcome the athletes of the Special Olympics of Mississippi and Special Olympian Loretta Claiborne to our Capitol to commend their dedication and achievements in athletics; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi's Special Olympics athletes competed in numerous fields in 2011, vying for titles within their regions of the state and for the state at large; and
WHEREAS, through their participation in the Special Olympics, these spectacular individuals are afforded a unique opportunity and are encouraged to develop their skills and talents, to demonstrate courage, and to experience joy in participating in the sharing of friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community; and
WHEREAS, in Special Olympics, the emphasis is not upon physical strength, speed or endurance of the human body; but instead, it is upon the faith, spirit and determination of an individual; and
WHEREAS, the Special Olympics athletes of Mississippi are supported by numerous family members, area directors and many dedicated volunteers; and
WHEREAS, the Special Olympics are the only athletic competitions in the world where all participating athletes are winners, as they are winners in their struggle for our respect in their diversity, winners in their struggle for self-esteem, and winners in their struggle to defend their special abilities; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Claiborne is an inspiration to people from all walks of life, calling upon all people, young and old, to stand for tolerance and to overcome indifference; and
WHEREAS, a world-class runner and gifted motivational speaker, Ms. Claiborne is a Special Olympics Athlete and a person with an intellectual disability; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Claiborne has an impressive list of accolades, including: two honorary doctorate degrees from Quinnipiac University in 1995 and Villanova University in 2003, a fourth-degree black belt in Karate, the 1996 Arthur Ashe for Courage ESPY Award and a Walt Disney Productions documentary entitled The Loretta Claiborne Story; and
WHEREAS, as a runner, Ms. Claiborne has completed 26 marathons, recording a personal best time of three hours and three minutes, finished in the top 100 women of the Boston Marathon, and was inducted into both the Women in Sports Hall of Fame and the Special Olympics Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the citizens of this state, who are already heralded as champions among us as they display remarkable courage and ambassadorship for individuals with special needs:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby welcome Ms. Loretta Claiborne to our state, commend the Special Olympics of Mississippi athletes for their outstanding achievements and extend best wishes to each for continued success in all of their future athletic endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Special Olympics of Mississippi, Ms. Claiborne and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
