Assembly Resolution No. 794

BY: M. of A. Gunther

COMMENDING Special Olympics New York upon the
occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary on
March 6, 2020

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that the quality
and character of life in this great Empire State is greatly enriched by
the faithful and diligent work of those organizations which serve to
meet the special needs 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
commend Special Olympics New York upon the occasion of celebrating its
50th Anniversary on Friday, March 6, 2020; and

WHEREAS, For five decades, Special Olympics New York has provided
inclusive opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to
compete in Olympic-style, coached sports, helping them to stay active
for life, achieve goals at local and international contests, and taste
victory and overcome defeat; and

WHEREAS, Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in
the country and among the largest in the world; this vital nonprofit
organization serves more than 67,000 athletes, children, youth and
adults with intellectual differences, statewide, providing them with an
opportunity to compete in 22 sports; and

WHEREAS, In addition to these athletes and their loved ones
statewide, the Special Olympics New York family includes more than
40,000 dedicated volunteers and more than 8,000 students in more than
220 Unified Champion Schools, where teams of students both with and
without intellectual disabilities play competitive, interscholastic
Unified Sports; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, Special Olympics New York
frequently reviews its sports programs, ensuring every aspiring athlete
has an opportunity to excel; continues its efforts to raise engagement,
awareness and understanding of Special Olympics New York: significantly
growing the Unified Sports movement in New York schools and communities;
and advancing a comprehensive health agenda to ensure New Yorkers with
intellectual differences have access to quality healthcare; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
organizations which enhance the well-being and vitality of their
community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to excellence
certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Special Olympics New York upon the occasion of celebrating its
50th Anniversary on March 6, 2020; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Special Olympics New York.