Senate Resolution No. 645

BY: Senator JACOBS

COMMENDING Canisius High School upon the occasion
of hosting its 40th Annual Chilly Challenge 5K on
March 24, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that the quality
of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched by its
exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions and
events; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Canisius High School upon the occasion of hosting its 40th
Annual Chilly Challenge 5K on Sunday, March 24, 2019; and

WHEREAS, The Annual Chilly Challenge 5K will begin with a Mass
officiated by Father Ciancimino in the Canisius High School student
chapel; upon the culmination of the race, chili will be served and more
than 180 awards will be presented in individual and team categories,
including husband-wife, father-son, mother-son, father-daughter,
mother-daughter, grandparent-grandchild, as well as three-person teams;
and

WHEREAS, The Chilly Challenge began in 1979, as a way for the
Canisius High School track coach to gauge the condition of his distance
runners in February; and

WHEREAS, Chris O'Brien, Canisius High School Class of 1981, is
credited with coming up with the name, "Chilly Challenge"; and

WHEREAS, In its early years, the race averaged 100-200 runners, and
has grown to average 470 runners; and

WHEREAS, The Chilly Challenge is believed to be the longest
consecutively run 5K race in Western New York; and

WHEREAS, The Chilly Challenge 5K promotes a healthy lifestyle with a
focus on fun, family and community spirit; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Chilly Challenge 5K is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its Director, George Chernowski Class of
1963, as well as its volunteers and participants, whose involvement is,
and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an
unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in
all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves;
and

WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Canisius High
School Chilly Challenge 5K; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
organizations and events of such noble aims and accomplishments are

brought to our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Canisius High School upon the occasion of hosting its 40th
Annual Chilly Challenge 5K on March 24, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to George Chernowski, Race Director, Canisius High School
Chilly Challenge 5K.