LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Special Olympics New York upon the
occasion of celebrating the 40th Anniversary of its statewide competi-
tion to be held June 4-6, 2010

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
congratulate Special Olympics New York upon the occasion of celebrating
the 40th Anniversary of its statewide competition to be held June 4-6,
2010; and
WHEREAS, The festivities will begin at Utica College on Friday, June
4, 2010, with the awe-inspiring Opening Ceremonies; this traditional
event will include entertainment, the parade of athletes, the completion
of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the lighting of the Special Olym-
pics Cauldron to signify the start of the Games; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday morning, June 5, 2010, State Summer Games compe-
titions will include Aquatics, Basketball, Bowling, Power Lifting,
Gymnastics, Tennis, Volleyball and Track & Field; Utica College will
serve as the host venue and the site of most competitions; and
WHEREAS, Special Olympics New York provides year-round sports training
and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities;
the State Summer Games are the culmination of intensive sports training
and committment by the athletes and coaches and the forum for them to
showcase their talents; and
WHEREAS, More than 1500 athletes and coaches from across the State
will attend the games, which is the largest Special Olympics competition
held annually in New York; and
WHEREAS, This momentous occasion will give many the opportunity to
reflect on the positive impact the State of New York has had on Special
Olympics, and supports its mission to promote unity, respect, and toler-
ance 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, Special Olympics New York has been using sports as a vehicle
to transform the lives of adults and children with intellectual disabil-
ities; currently, more than 48,000 athletes participate in Special Olym-
pics 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 Special Olympics New York's esteemed reputa-
tion, New York is portrayed as a pioneer and a model program for all
states, as well as the 185 countries throughout the world where Special
Olympics is being offered; and
WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by Special Olympics New York 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 the superbly-skilled staff and volun-
teers of Special Olympics New York 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 organizations 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 Special Olympics New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals and organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are

brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by
all the citizens of the great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Special Olympics New York upon the occasion of celebrating
the 40th Anniversary of its statewide competition to be held June 4-6,
2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Neal J. Johnson, President/CEO, Special Olympics New York.