Senate Resolution No. 2207

BY: Senator PARKER

COMMENDING the New York Foundling's Developmental
Disabilities Division upon the occasion of hosting
the Dan Washington, Jr., Memorial Basketball
Tournament

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those organizations of high purpose and worthy
accomplishment whose enduring commitment to the dignity, inclusion, and
joy of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities has
enriched the civic life of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the New York Foundling's Developmental Disabilities Division
upon the occasion of hosting the Dan Washington, Jr., Memorial
Basketball Tournament on Thursday, June 4, 2026; and

WHEREAS, The New York Foundling was established in 1869 by three
Sisters of Charity who answered the call of New York City's most
vulnerable children and families, and in the more than 155 years since
its founding, has grown into one of the largest and most respected human
service organizations in the New York metropolitan area, now serving
more than 30,000 people each year through programs spanning child
welfare, developmental disabilities, education, health and behavioral
health, and juvenile and criminal justice; and

WHEREAS, The Foundling's Developmental Disabilities Division
provides comprehensive services and supports to individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities, guided always by the
conviction that every person deserves to be seen, valued, and celebrated
and that the measure of a community is found not only in the way it
treats its most vulnerable members but also whether it creates space for
them to thrive, compete, connect, and belong; and

WHEREAS, The Dan Washington, Jr., Memorial Basketball Tournament is
named in loving honor of Dan Washington, Jr., a cherished participant in
the Foundling's Developmental Disabilities programs whose spirit,
enthusiasm, and presence left a lasting mark on all who knew him; in
naming this tournament in his memory, the Foundling affirms that the
individuals it serves are not incidental to its mission but are the very
heart of it and that their lives, their joy, and their legacy are worthy
of celebration and remembrance; and

WHEREAS, The tournament brings together participants from the
Foundling's Developmental Disabilities Division for a day of competitive
basketball, cheerleading, and skills showcases, providing the men and
women who participate the opportunity to do what every athlete wants: to
compete, to be cheered, to feel the thrill of the game, and to be
surrounded by a community that believes in their abilities and
celebrates their achievements without reservation; and

WHEREAS, Events, such as this tournament, embody a fundamental truth
that this Legislative Body affirms without hesitation: that inclusion is

not charity, that the participation of individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities in the full life of their communities is not
a gift to be bestowed but a right to be upheld, and that every person,
regardless of disability, deserves access to the joy, the competition,
and the community that athletics can provide; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor the New
York Foundling, its Developmental Disabilities Division, staff,
volunteers, participants, and the memory of Dan Washington, Jr., whose
name graces this tournament as a reminder that every life touched by
this organization matters deeply and endures; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the New York Foundling's Developmental Disabilities Division,
upon the occasion of hosting the Dan Washington, Jr., Memorial
Basketball Tournament in New York City on June 4, 2026, and to extend
congratulations to all participants, coaches, volunteers, and supporters
who make this tournament a celebration worthy of Dan Washington, Jr.'s
memory; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the leadership, staff, and participants of the New York
Foundling's Developmental Disabilities Division in recognition of their
steadfast commitment to the dignity, inclusion, and full participation
of every person they serve.