Senate Resolution No. 1282

BY: Senator AKSHAR

COMMENDING Coach Jenny Sorber upon the occasion of
her retirement after 10 years of distinguished
service to the Vestal Team of the Broome Tioga
Special Olympics

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
the distinguished athletic coaches who serve individuals with
disabilities of this great Empire State and who have distinguished
themselves through outstanding commitment to lifting barriers and
expanding choices for all persons with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Coach Jenny Sorber upon the occasion of her retirement after 10
years of distinguished service to the Vestal Team of the Broome Tioga
Special Olympics; and

WHEREAS, Jenny Sorber's positive demeanor, selfless commitment and
caring concern have contributed to her unparalleled success as a coach
and mentor, earning her the just respect and admiration of the
community, her peers and the athletes she has so ably coached; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her meritorious career, Jenny Sorber was always
available to help her extraordinary athletes achieve their goals and
dreams; and

WHEREAS, For many years, Jenny Sorber has volunteered her time and
energies to the disabled community, working with the Kirkwood Club, and
the Binghamton Bobcats; in 2009, she and her family moved the team to
Vestal, New York, in order to reach more athletes; and

WHEREAS, Since then, Jenny Sorber has accomplished numerous goals
and made numerous improvements which have enhanced the club, allowing it
to offer better care and services to its members; and

WHEREAS, From its humble beginnings of 10 athletes and a few
coaches, the Vestal Team is presently comprised of over 130 athletes and
10 coaches; after outgrowing three gyms and one bowling alley, the club
currently practices at the Our Lady of Good Counsel gym in Endicott, New
York; and

WHEREAS, Through her tireless efforts, Jenny Sorber recruited
various Binghamton University sports teams and clubs, high school teams,
and Zumba instructor, Ann Marie Van Nostrand, to lend their talents to
support and motivate the members of the Vestal Team as they participate
in sports including soccer, volleyball, basketball, bowling, track and
field, and swimming; and

WHEREAS, Athletes may also participate in other fun activities such
as Zumba classes, chair yoga, line dancing, broomball, and bocce which
has become very popular; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her valuable work with the Vestal Team,
Jenny Sorber served as both a board member and volunteer coordinator for
the Broome Tioga Special Olympics, funded an art class for athletes, and
designed Special Olympics gear for the local tournaments and events; and

WHEREAS, Jenny Sorber also organized an annual Christmas party for
athletes and staff members, and collected and donated gifts and winter
coats for athletes; and

WHEREAS, Coach Jenny Sorber will always be remembered for her role
in making the Vestal Team a proud member of the Broome Tioga Special
Olympics community; she was a friend to everyone and always stayed true
to her beliefs, making the athletes her number one priority; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to now record its
recognition and appreciation in honoring an outstanding coach whose
dedication and achievements have been instrumental in developing
character and sportsmanship in individuals with disabilities,
exemplifying the ideals and values cherished by this great State and
Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Head Coach Jenny Sorber upon the occasion of her retirement
after 10 years of distinguished service to the Vestal Team of the Broome
Tioga Special Olympics, and to wish her continued success in all her
future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Head Coach Jenny Sorber.