LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring 11 year-old student-athlete Erika Feur-
tado upon the occasion of her designation for special recognition by
ESPN Wide World of Sports

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those young people within the State of New York who, by
achieving outstanding success in athletic competition, have inspired and
brought pride to their school and community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor 11
year-old student-athlete Erika Feurtado upon the occasion of her desig-
nation for special recognition by ESPN Wide World of Sports; and
WHEREAS, In December of 2010, Erika Feurtado from Gotham Avenue
Elementary School in Elmont, New York, placed in the top 20 at the ESPN
Wide World of Sports' Cross Country Championships in Orlando, Florida;
and
WHEREAS, Erika Feurtado who has been running since age seven, has
participated in cross country and the Outdoor Junior Olympics for the
past four years; and
WHEREAS, Although asthmatic, Erika Feurtado does not allow the condi-
tion to hinder her success; she works diligently to be an example of
hard work and dedication to her peers; and
WHEREAS, Having aspirations of becoming an attorney in the future,
Erika Feurtado focuses on her grades as an Honors student, along with
progressing in track and field; and
WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by Erika Feurtado is due in
great part to the support of her mother Merline Nugent, and the efforts
of her coach, Charles Weekes, both skilled and inspirational tutors,
respected for their ability to develop potential into excellence; and
WHEREAS, Erika Feurtado's overall record is outstanding; she was
loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, fans, friends and the
community at large; and
WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and
accomplishment, and Erika Feurtado has clearly made a contribution to
the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of her school; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor 11 year-old student-athlete Erika Feurtado upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition by ESPN Wide World of Sports;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Erika Feurtado and to Coach Charles Weekes.