LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Aidan Kelly upon being chosen for the
United States men's luge team at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi,
Russia

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 international sports
competition; and
WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical develop-
ment of the young adults of this State, preparing them for the future by
instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of
fair play and competition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to join the
community of West Islip, New York, in honoring Aidan Kelly upon being
chosen for the United States men's luge team at the 2014 Winter Olympics
in Sochi, Russia; and
WHEREAS, Aidan Kelly has suffered countless injuries and has overcome
numerous obstacles; attending West Islip High School, he did not gradu-
ate from the school but at age 15, he moved away from his family to Lake
Placid where it was all for the love of the sport luge racing, an
extreme form of sled racing; and
WHEREAS, Aidan Kelly's sacrifices were rewarded on Saturday, December
14, 2013, after his World Cup results in Park City, Utah; he qualified
as one of 10 lugers who will represent the United States in the 2014
Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia; and
WHEREAS, Aidan Kelly's journey began at the age of 12, at Bald Hill in
Farmingville, New York, where he completed the slalom course on a
wheeled sled and five months later, he received an invitation to attend
a screening camp in Lake Placid; he did well on the Olympic ice and was
asked to become a member of the "D" Team of the United States National
Junior Luge Development team; and
WHEREAS, As a member of the "D" Team, Aidan Kelly traveled to the
United States Olympic track in Salt Lake City and competed in the Youth
National Championships; and
WHEREAS, A gifted athlete, Aidan Kelly'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 competing in international sports
competition; this young, gifted athlete from the great State of New
York, through his hard work and tenacious spirit, has made that vision a
reality, and will proudly represent 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
honor Aidan Kelly upon being chosen for the United States men's luge
team at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Aidan Kelly.