Assembly Resolution No. 51

BY: M. of A. Norris

COMMENDING the Olcott Lions Club upon the occasion
of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of its Swim for
Sight on March 2, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations of the State of New York whose focus and
intent have made a substantial impact on the quality of life in their
communities; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemend the Olcott Lions Club upon the occasion of celebrating the
50th Anniversary of its Swim for Sight on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at
its 2019 Polar Eve Snow Ball to be held at the Olcott Fire Hall; and

WHEREAS, The oldest Polar Bear charity swim, the Olcott Lions Club's
Swim for Sight takes place the first Sunday in March each year, and has
been one of the region's most popular winter events for the last five
decades; this year's auspicious event will be held on Sunday, March 3,
2019; and

WHEREAS, Swim for Sight's dedicated participants, known as polar
bear swimmers, head to Olcott Beach, New York, where they plunge into
the icy waters of Lake Ontario to raise money for the blind and visually
impaired; and

WHEREAS, Costumed and warm hearted, the hardiest polar bear swimmers
in America parade down Main Street and traverse the path to the frozen
shore, sponsored and cheered on every step of the way by family, friends
and co-workers; and

WHEREAS, As the swimmers brave the elements, thousands of spectators
gather on the snow covered terraces of Krull Park, surround the
shoreline and encourage their favorite swimmers to frolic in the frigid
water; and

WHEREAS, Swimmers and spectators continue to come together each year
to spend a day enjoying a Great Lakes winter day while helping those in
need; and

WHEREAS, Contributions from this vital annual event support several
Lions Sight Projects, some of which include the Lions Blind and Charity
Fund, Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Guiding Eyes for the Blind,
Diabetes Treatment and Research, and Vision Beyond Sight, to name a few;
and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 50-year history, the Olcott Lions
Club has demonstrated continuous service to the residents and
communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of Olcott Lions Club's Swim for Sight is in
direct correlation to the efforts of its participants and volunteers,
whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an

impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization
and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Olcott Lions Club upon the occasion of celebrating the 50th
Anniversary of its Swim for Sight on March 2, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Olcott Lions Club, Olcott, New York.