A house RESOLUTION

to recognize and honor Jenny and Patrick Bowers of Little Mountain for their compassionate vision in founding screaming eagles special needs athletics.

Whereas, it is altogether fitting and proper for the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives to pause in their deliberations to recognize and honor South Carolinians who make a meaningful difference in the lives of their fellow citizens. As founders of Screaming Eagles Special Needs Athletics (Screaming Eagles), Jenny and Patrick Bowers of Little Mountain are two such individuals; and

Whereas, Screaming Eagles Special Needs Athletics is a non-profit organization that is open to special needs athletes of all ages and all abilities.  Composed of athletes who attend several schools throughout the Midlands, Screaming Eagles works with local schools and surrounding colleges to create a realistic athletic environment that is adapted to meet the needs of all; and

Whereas, the overarching goal of Screaming Eagles is to provide an environment of inclusion for all of their special needs athletes and to promote community involvement through traditional sports where local teams and volunteers can engage appropriately and individually with their athletes, such as an annual benefit baseball game hosted by the Newberry College baseball and softball programs, which provides a heartwarming and fun experience for all players involved; and

Whereas, thanks to the faith, work, and the persistence of Jenny and Patrick Bowers, the organization has completed phase one of the founders' dream to build a sports complex designed for young people with a variety of special needs where parents can relax and enjoy watching their children participate in outdoor sports activities, supported by skilled volunteers working with and showering their special kids with love. The Screaming Eagles' Nest became a reality in 2021 and is an amazing complex that Newberry and Lexington County parents and their children with special needs can enjoy; and

Whereas, Screaming Eagles' future plans include constructing Miracle Field for the special needs community, which will be designed to accommodate all ages and all abilities, as well as an outdoor shelter, dugouts, an announcer's box, a playground with paved trails, and a large indoor facility. The indoor facility will be used for games that are rained out, end-of-season celebrations, afterschool care, and an adult day activities center for the special needs community. Screaming Eagles is currently working with a group of infrastructure engineers and is in the concept phase of developing their vision for the "field of dreams"; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives values the dedication of citizens like Jenny and Patrick Bowers who devote their energy and resources to plan for the delight and well-being of children with special needs and their families, and the members wish them continued success as Screaming Eagle Special Needs Athletics continues to grow its programs and resources.  Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Jenny and Patrick Bowers of Little Mountain for their compassionate vision in founding Screaming Eagles Special Needs Athletics.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Jenny and Patrick Bowers.

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