LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the GLOW YMCA Challenger Sports Program
upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2015 Special
Community Service Recognition of the Year Award by the Genesee County
Chamber of Commerce

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of business organ-
izations and individuals that generously contribute to the welfare of
the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the
GLOW YMCA Challenger Sports Program upon the occasion of its designation
as recipient of the 2015 Special Community Service Recognition of the
Year Award by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce to be celebrated at
an Awards Ceremony on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Batavia Clarion Hotel,
Batavia, New York; and
WHEREAS, The staff and volunteers at the GLOW YMCA strive to develop
the spiritual, mental and physical wellness of all people in an atmos-
phere of Christian fellowship; and
WHEREAS, This vital organization is a place where individuals can find
respite from social, economic and educational challenges, and learn how
to overcome them; the GLOW YMCA has a fundamental desire to provide
opportunities for every family to build stronger bonds, achieve greater
work/life balance, and become more engaged with their communities; and
WHEREAS, Programs and services at the GLOW YMCA offer families a wide
range of activities for all ages designed for fun in a safe, supportive
and healthy environment; and
WHEREAS, The GLOW YMCA Challenger Sports Program was started by a
loving mother in 2006; open for boys and girls ages 5 to 21, this vital
program is a collaborative effort between the YMCA, Genesee ARC, NYS
School for the Blind, Genesee Valley BOCES, Batavia Minor League Base-
ball, and Batavia Youth Bureau; and
WHEREAS, During each session, enthusiastic local volunteers work with
children to develop skills which transcend sports, some of which are
development of human relation skills, fine motor movements, and team-
work; and
WHEREAS, Many young men and women from the neighborhood high schools
enjoy serving as assistants; the partnership of the volunteers helping
participants has created and fostered new friendships and relationships
that are still ongoing; it has influenced college and career decisions,
and has also opened the eyes for these volunteers to look differently
upon people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, For the past 10 years, the GLOW YMCA Challenger Sports
Program has offered young people many opportunities to learn and play
many different sports during the year including baseball, tennis,
soccer, and dance, as well as swimming; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, 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
honor the GLOW YMCA Challenger Sports Program upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the 2015 Special Community Service Recogni-
tion of the Year Award by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rob Walker, GLOW YMCA, and Shelly Falitico, Genesee ARC.