LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Master Yuan Zhang upon the occasion of
receiving the Distinguished Citizen Award at the 8th Annual Lunar New
Year celebration on March 1, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge those exemplary individuals whose purposeful lives
and distinguished careers have been committed to bettering the quality
of life in this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Master Yuan Zhang upon the occasion of receiving the Distinguished Citi-
zen Award at the 8th Annual Lunar New Year celebration to be held on
Sunday, March 1, 2009, at New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn, New York;
and
WHEREAS, In 1987, Yuan Zhang, a Master in Martial Arts, was a China
National gold medalist in Form & Will Boxing and Fist of Eight Extremes;
he also won first place at the National WuShu Competition; and
WHEREAS, Master Zhang moved to the United States in 2001; he estab-
lished a successful Chinese Martial Arts Academy on Fort Hamilton Park-
way, where he now instructs over 100 students; and
WHEREAS, A lifetime member of USA Wushu Kungfu Federation, Master
Zhang won six Gold medals and one Silver medal at the International Wu
Shu Kung-Fu Festival in August 2001; in addition, he won the U.S.
National Martial Arts Tournament All-Around Champion held in November of
the same year; and
WHEREAS, Master Zhang spreads Chinese culture by instructing Chinese
Kung Fu while also teaching his students to respect their Master,
seniors, peers and country; under his training, more than 50 students
have attended international and Wu Shu Fighting Festivals and have won
over 150 medals; and
WHEREAS, Through his teaching, Master Zhang seeks to improve the
community; he participated in the 109 Precinct's Annual National Night
Out Against Crime in August 2003, and has also shared defensive tactic
expertise with the New York City Police Department; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Master Zhang has assisted victims of natural
disasters and is a significant supporter of the American Red Cross; in
2005, he made a special trip to ShaanXi, China, where he came to the aid
of poor school children; and
WHEREAS, Master Zhang has been called upon to contribute his time and
talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given
of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Master Zhang has stood constant in
dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned recognition and applause; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Master Yuan Zhang upon the occasion of receiving the Distinguished
Citizen Award at the 8th Annual Lunar New Year celebration; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Master Yuan Zhang.