LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Paralympian Ryan Chalmers of
Churchville, New York, upon the occasion of completing his inspirational
3,000 mile journey

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its full
recognition and grateful tribute to the athletes of New York State who
have dedicated their purposeful lives to athletic achievement and proud-
ly represented their great State and Nation in Paralympic competition;
and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to join the Church-
ville, New York, community in honoring Ryan Chalmers, a young man of
great skill, personal courage and unparalleled dedication, whose charac-
ter and athletic achievements are world-renowned and personify the high-
est ideals of the American spirit; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
congratulate Paralympian Ryan Chalmers of Churchville, New York, upon
the occasion of completing his inspirational 3,000 mile journey; and
WHEREAS, To cross the United States by car, foot or any other mode of
transportation, you need a certain amount of stamina, dedication and
daring; after 71 days on the road, Ryan Chalmers completed a 3,000 mile
journey by wheelchair across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Ryan Chalmers left from Los Angeles, California, on April 6,
2013, and finished in Central Park in New York City on Saturday, June
15, 2013; his trek was to inspire others with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Completing around 50 miles a day and accumulating 14 flat
tires, Ryan Chalmers, age 24, crossed 14 states on the coast-to-coast
epic, before being welcomed to the finish by cheers; during the trip, he
found himself going 65 mph on a particularly steep downhill stretch of
road, which was one of the challenges that tested him to the limit; and
WHEREAS, Ryan Chalmers was born with spina bifida, which means he does
not have complete use of his legs; he played basketball and participated
in track and field as a child; and
WHEREAS, Ryan Chalmers focused on track as he aged, eventually repres-
enting the United States at the 2012 London Paralympics; he is a true
asset to society; and
WHEREAS, A role model for all, Ryan Chalmers is a talented, dedicated
athlete who has brought honor to his family, his coaches, and his commu-
nity of friends who have encouraged his progress and commended his hard
work; and
WHEREAS, A gifted athlete, Ryan Chalmers's character and achievements
stand as a sterling example and inspiration to all who would aspire to
such extraordinary success; and
WHEREAS, Many will only dream of completing this arduous cross country
task; this young gifted athlete from the great State of New York,
through his hard work and tenacious spirit, has made that vision a real-
ity, and has proudly represented his country in competition among the
world's finest athletes, an honor that gives just cause for his family,
community and State to be exceedingly proud of his achievements; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Paralympian Ryan Chalmers of Churchville, New York, upon
the occasion of completing his inspirational 3,000 mile journey; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Ryan Chalmers.