HR0580 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0580 LRB095 12642 KXB 37927 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to commemorate the accomplishments of local athletes, who bring together fans and residents from their communities; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois State Special Olympics were held June 15 to 17, 2007, at Illinois State University's Hancock Stadium; and

WHEREAS, For the first time, all 20 members of the Canton Special Olympics Team participated in the Illinois State Special Olympics, where the team received 15 medals including nine gold, five silver, and one bronze, signifying their achievements; and

WHEREAS, Athletes must place first or second in local or regional competitions in order to compete at the State games; and

WHEREAS, Following the Special Olympics, the team was welcomed back to Canton with an escort to Lincoln School from the Canton Fire Department; and

WHEREAS, Canton team members participating in this year's Illinois State Special Olympics opening ceremonies were banner carriers Joseph Davison, Brad Bitner, Zach Taylor, and Nicholas Denning, and torch runner Brittany Hart; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Canton Special Olympics Team received individual honors, including Gold Medal winners Jordan Beard, Brad Bitner, and Nicole Hickman in the running long jump; Chris Clouse in the shot put; Montana Davis in the 50 meter; Parker Roos in the tennis ball throw; Felisha Swank in the softball throw and 100 meter; and the relay team of Felisha Swank, Nicole Hickman, Zach Taylor, and Kyle Wilson; Silver Medal winners Montana Davis in the softball throw; Joseph Davison in the running long jump; Elizabeth Griffith in the tennis ball throw; Shane Wilcox in the shot put; and the relay team of Montana Davis, LeeRoy Davis, Jordan Beard, and Colton Chears; and Bronze Medal winner Mairy Deatherage in the softball throw; fourth place winners Nick Denning and Kyle Wilson in the running long jump; and Jordan Beard and Parker Roos in the 50 meter; fifth place winners Fabian Lindsey in the tennis ball throw and 50 meter; LeeRoy Davis in the softball throw; Brittany Hart in the 100 meter; and Joseph Davison in the 200 meter; sixth place winners Colton Chears and Brittany Hart in the running long jump; and Brad Bitner and LeeRoy Davis in the 50 meter; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Canton Special Olympics Team are Anthony Lambert, Richie Pierce, Jordan Beard, Brad Bitner, Colton Chears, Chris Clouse, Montana Davis, LeeRoy Davis, Joseph Davison, Mairy Deatherage, Nicholas Denning, Elizabeth Griffith, Brittany Hart, Nicole Hickman, Fabian Lindsey, Parker Roos, Felisha Swank, Zach Taylor, Shane Wilcox, and Kyle Wilson; and

WHEREAS, The Head Coach of the Canton Special Olympics Team is Greg Stephenson; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the Canton Special Olympics Team on their achievements at the 2007 Illinois State Special Olympics; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Canton Special Olympics Team as a symbol of our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.