LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Christopher Collins upon the occa-
sion of winning a Gold Medal at the 2011 World Karate Championships in
the Traditional Forms division

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals who strive to be champions through rigorous training, disci-
pline and strategic planning; and
WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical develop-
ment of young people in the State of New York, preparing them for the
future by instilling in them the value of hard work, healthy living and
sportsmanship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor and
recognize 17 year-old Christopher Collins for his skill and dedication,
which helped him capture a Gold Medal at the 2011 World Karate Champion-
ships at just 17 years old; and
WHEREAS, A native of Syracuse, New York, Christopher Collins started
studying karate at the age of eight, mastering tips from both his
father, Terrence Collins, a six-degree black belt in karate, and Carlos
Tearney, a martial arts champion and instructor in Syracuse; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Collins grew to be a fierce competitor in karate,
winning numerous local competitions before entering the northeast
regional competition in April of 2011, where he qualified for national
competition; and
WHEREAS, At the 2011 National Karate Championships in Detroit, Chris-
topher Collins qualified for the World Karate Championships by capturing
the title in Traditional Forms, Traditional Weapons and in 16-17 year
old Light Heavyweight Fighting; and
WHEREAS, Along with four other athletes from Carlos Tearney's Cham-
pions Martial Arts studio, Christopher Collins traveled to Cadiz, Spain,
to compete on the USA Karate Team at the World Kickboxing Council World
Karate Championships from October 31-November 4, 2011; and
WHEREAS, At the World Karate Championships in Spain, Christopher
Collins competed in three different divisions, progressing in the 13-17
age division of Traditional Forms, a style of martial arts that consists
of a series of punches, kicks and moves while perfect form and balance
are maintained; and
WHEREAS, Christopher Collins defeated three other competitors during
finals, placing first and earning a Gold Medal in the Traditional Forms
division at the 2011 World Karate Championships; an outstanding accom-
plishment, he credits his success to long hours of practice, focus and
determination; and
WHEREAS, Besides becoming a world karate champion at the young age of
17, Christopher Collins is also a dedicated community volunteer and a
biology major at LeMoyne College; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when athletes
of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention,
they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this
great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Christopher Collins upon the occasion of winning a Gold
Medal at the 2011 World Karate Championships in the Traditional Forms
division; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Christopher Collins.