WHEREAS, Joey Layton of Virginia Beach, one of nine Virginia athletes who competed at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, captured a silver medal in men's doubles tennis and a bronze medal in mixed doubles tennis at the international competition; and

WHEREAS, over 7,500 athletes traveled to the historic city of Athens, Greece, to participate in the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games held June 25–July 4, 2011; and

WHEREAS, Joey Layton, who began his participation in Special Olympics when he was seven years old, has competed in volleyball, basketball, softball, bowling, track, and golf while also enjoying artistic pursuits; and

WHEREAS, Joey Layton only began playing tennis a few years ago, but has quickly mastered the intricacies of the game and advanced to the international level of competition; and

WHEREAS, a determined athlete, Joey Layton focused on the fundamentals of the game before traveling to Athens, Greece, to compete against players from around the world; and

WHEREAS, Joey Layton's natural athletic ability and hours of practice were evident as he played against some of the top Special Olympics athletes to win a silver medal in men's doubles tennis and a bronze medal in mixed doubles tennis; and

WHEREAS, a talented tennis player and inspiring role model, Joey Layton proudly represented the City of Virginia Beach, the Commonwealth, and the nation at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate Joey Layton on his outstanding Special Olympics tennis career and his exemplary performance in Athens, Greece, at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Joey Layton as an expression of the General Assembly's appreciation for his dedication to the Special Olympics, his fellow athletes, and the sport of tennis.