LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Cecil K. Watkins posthumously upon the
occasion of the dedication of a gymnasium in his memory

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, January 23, 2010, the Elmcor Board of Directors
and Friends of Cecil K. Watkins will join together at the Louis Armst-
rong Recreation Center at 33-16 108th Street, Corona, New York, to honor
Cecil K. Watkins, a co-founder of Elmcor Youth and Athletic Activities,
Inc., and to celebrate his many accomplishments; and
WHEREAS, On this auspicious occasion, the late Cecil K. Watkins will
be honored by the dedication of the Cecil K. Watkins Gymnasium in his
memory; and
WHEREAS, A man who changed lives one at a time, Cecil K. Watkins was
raised in the Bronx and South Jamaica; he played varsity basketball and
baseball at John Adams High School and Adelphi University, where he
earned a bachelor's and master's degree in sports administration and
management; and
WHEREAS, Cecil K. Watkins served two years in the Armed Forces of the
United States during the Korean War; and
WHEREAS, After seven years as a playground director, Cecil K. Watkins
began a successful youth program at P.S. 68 in Harlem; in the late 1950s
he established the Ray Felix Summer League, which mushroomed into "City-
Wide", the timeless centerpiece of summer hoops in the Big Apple; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Cecil K. Watkins was the co-founder of Elmcor
Youth and Adult Activities, Inc. (Elmcor), named for the East
Elmhurst/Corona area after his career move to P.S. 127 in East Elmhurst;
and
WHEREAS, Elmcor blossomed into one of the largest and most diverse
community service organizations in America, offering services running
the gauntlet from youth basketball and baseball to drug rehabilitation
and senior citizens care; "The Cage" at P.S. 127 which featured Wilt
Chamberlain, Connie Hawkins and Julius "Dr. J" Erving helped put the
Elmcor organization on the map; and
WHEREAS, In 1978, after 20 years as a New York City Parks Department
administrator, Cecil K. Watkins went to work full-time for the National
Basketball Association, first as a supervisor and recruiter of referees
and then as the Director of Community and Special Programs; an outgrowth
of these duties resulted in the creation of the 26 NBA/Pro-Am City Leag-
ues, for which he served as President and CEO; and
WHEREAS, Among the many citations and community service awards
received by Cecil K. Watkins are: Adelphi University Hall of Fame induc-
tee; Basketball Congress International Commissioner of the Year Award;
Boy Scouts of America Recognition Award; Brotherhood Humanitarian Award;
Elmcor Youth/Adult Activities Hall of Fame inductee; Governor of New
York Outstanding Service Award; and City of New York Division for Youth
and Courtsman Athletic Association/Citywide Community Service Award; and
WHEREAS, Cecil K. Watkins was also a member of the Courtsman Athletic
Association Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Cecil K. Watkins revolutionized community hoops in New York
City and nationwide; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Cecil K. Watkins posthumously upon the occasion of the dedication
of a gymnasium in his memory; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Cecil K. Watkins and to Victoria Williams,
Executive Director, Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities, Inc.