LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim March 17, 2010, as Special Olympics New York (SONY) Day in the
State of New York in recognition of the celebration of its 40th Anniver-
sary

WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the quality
of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and self-
worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to memori-
alize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim March 17, 2010, as Special
Olympics New York (SONY) Day in the State of New York in recognition of
the celebration of the milestone of its 40th Anniversary; and
WHEREAS, This momentous occasion will give many the opportunity to
reflect on the positive impact of Special Olympics New York's statewide
programs; and
WHEREAS, The State of New York and its citizens have long supported
and encouraged Special Olympics' mission to promote unity, respect, and
tolerance for all people while changing attitudes, one person at a time,
which is a testament of the vision of Special Olympics founder, Eunice
Kennedy Shriver; and
WHEREAS, SONY has been using sports as a vehicle to transform the
lives of adults and children with intellectual disabilities; currently,
more than 48,000 athletes participate in Special Olympics programs
throughout the State, making New York the largest program in all of
North America, and the sixth largest program in the world; and
WHEREAS, As a result of SONY's esteemed reputation, New York is
portrayed as a pioneer and model program for all states, as well as for
the 185 countries throughout the world where Special Olympics is being
offered; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by SONY is in direct correlation to the
efforts of the many individuals who have supported its development over
the last 40 years; and
WHEREAS, Equally commendable are SONY's superbly-skilled staff and
volunteers whose involvement is and has always been characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all of their efforts on behalf of the organ-
izations and the population it serves; and
WHEREAS, In light of its commitment, dedication, and successful
efforts, this Legislative Body is justly proud to extend its highest
commendation to SONY; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when mile-
stones in the history of organizations of such noble aims and accom-
plishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and
recognized by all the citizens of the great Empire State; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim March 17, 2010, as
Special Olympics New York (SONY) Day in the State of New York in recog-
nition of the celebration of the milestone of its 40th Anniversary; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, and to Neal J. Johnson, President/CEO, Special Olympics New York,
504 Balltown Road, Schenectady, New York 12304.