LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring United States National Track Team member
Amy Palmeiro-Winters upon the occasion of her designation as a recipient
of an ESPN ESPY Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals with disabilities whose personal triumphs and extraor-
dinary spirit and determination are an inspiration to others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
United States National Track Team member Amy Palmeiro-Winters upon the
occasion of her designation as a recipient of an ESPN ESPY Award; and
WHEREAS, The road has been long and winding for Hicksville, New York,
resident Amy Palmeiro-Winters; after a motorcycle accident severed her
left leg in 1994, she has gone on to conquer the competition in the
ultra marathon world, with one of her latest feats coming in Los
Angeles, California, as she earned her first ESPY, the Best Female
Athlete with a Disability ESPY Award; and
WHEREAS, In spite of expert opinion, Amy Palmeiro-Winters began
running again after 27 surgeries over a three-year span; she has since
experienced tremendous success; the sheer fact that she kept motivated
through so much adversity is something few can do; and
WHEREAS, Amy Palmeiro-Winters returned to running, but ultimately with
a prosthetic leg, setting new world records for her running class, and
competed successfully in numerous races, including ultra marathons (50k,
50-mile, 100k, 100 mile and 24 hour races), triathlons including the
Ironman, half-Ironman, and Olympic distance races; she mentions that
putting her prosthetic in place every day is like putting on a pair of
eyeglasses; and
WHEREAS, A loving mother of two, Amy Palmeiro-Winters shares her
message with other amputees looking for their second chance in life; she
strives to inspire children and adults alike; and
WHEREAS, Amy Palmeiro-Winters started running as a child and competed
in her first race when she was only eight years old; she quickly discov-
ered the feeling of being part of something bigger, part of a team
committed to giving your all to something; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Amy Palmeiro-Winters attributes her
success to the power sports has played in her life; working with Aspire,
a New York based nonprofit organization, she helps children and young
adults with limb loss get back to an active healthy lifestyle, through
sports, teamwork and education; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such enduring courage and accomplishment are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor United States National Track Team member Amy Palmeiro-Winters upon
the occasion of her designation as a recipient of an ESPN ESPY Award;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Amy Palmeiro-Winters.