Bill Text: MS SC609 | 2017 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Commend Evelyn Watkins upon being selected the 2016 State Games AT&T Female Athlete of the Year.
Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2017-03-07 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC609 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2017-SC609-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Burton
Senate Concurrent Resolution 609
(As Adopted by Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING EVELYN WATKINS ON BEING SELECTED AS THE 2016 STATE GAMES OF MISSISSIPPI AT&T FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR.
WHEREAS, based on the national program, the State Games of Mississippi established the annual "Athlete of the Year" Award to recognize Mississippi's amateur athletes. Coaches, officials, athletes, volunteers, and spectators nominated one male and one female athlete from each of the 37 sports for the award. The nominated athletes personify the ideals of the State Games movement, such as participation, sportsmanship, special attributes, achievements, efforts, and positive attitudes; and
WHEREAS, runner and trainer Evelyn Watkins has overcome surgeries on her feet to run marathons, triathlons and more. The 36-year-old was first in her age group at the 2016 State Games of Mississippi in the 5K Run, second overall in the female division, and seventh overall in the event; and
WHEREAS, as President of the Bonita Running Club and co-race Director of the Magnolia Marathon, Watkins considers herself an ambassador of the sport of running and always encourages young runners. She has competed in 25 states, completed a half-ironman in Chattanooga in 2016 and has more than 33 marathons, 18 half-marathons and 150 distances races under her belt, including 10 triathlons; and
WHEREAS, this year, the State Games are honoring athletes from 37 sports from the 2016 State Games of Mississippi. From these 37 athletes, only three are chosen to receive the honor of "Athlete of the Year." 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 2017 State Games of Mississippi Opening Ceremonies. The State Games keeps its entry fees low primarily through the generous donations of sponsors, including Founding Gold Sponsor: 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, Evelyn Watkins is an excellent role model for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. She is the perfect example of fitness and dedication that the State Games of Mississippi promotes, and it is with great pride that we recognize this Mississippi citizen who has brought honor to her community and state:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Evelyn Watkins on being selected as the 2016 State Games of Mississippi AT&T Female Athlete of the Year, and extend best wishes to Evelyn, her family and sponsors on this honor.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Evelyn Watkins and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
