HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 98-4714, by Representatives Wolfe, DeBolt, Gardner, Romero, Alexander, Benson, Crouse, McMorris, O'Brien, Mulliken, Parlette, Keiser, Hickel, Constantine, Ogden, Skinner, Grant, Chopp, Appelwick, Thompson, Wood, Gombosky, Eickmeyer, Costa, Carlson, Quall, Wensman, Murray, Cody, Sehlin, Delvin, L. Thomas, Koster, D. Sommers, B. Thomas, Sterk, D. Schmidt, Dunn, Hankins, Morris, Zellinsky, Kastama, Backlund, McCune, H. Sommers, Poulsen, Bush, Tokuda, Doumit, Regala, Butler, Veloria, Fisher, Cole, Scott, Hatfield, Robertson, Conway, Cooper, McDonald, Johnson, Mason and Cooke

       WHEREAS, The Washington State Legislature recognizes excellence, achievement, and value in all fields of endeavor; and

       WHEREAS, The vision of the Special Olympics is to help bring all persons with developmental disabilities into the larger society, under conditions whereby they are accepted, respected, and given the chance to become useful and productive citizens; and

       WHEREAS, Through year-round sports training and athletic competition, in a variety of Olympic-type sports, more than six thousand athletes state-wide, both children and adults, with developmental disabilities, regardless of ability level, may participate in the programs and sports offered by Special Olympics Washington, through a year-round (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall) program; and

       WHEREAS, The Special Olympics is successful due to the support of the public, relying as it does on donations from organizations, businesses and individuals; and

       WHEREAS, Through the continuing support and dedicated contributions of law enforcement officers, the Special Olympics has continued to prosper and grow; and

       WHEREAS, By special contributions through law enforcement officers from local, state and federal agencies, the Special Olympics has grown into a strong, excellent endeavor of successful, inspiring individuals; and

       WHEREAS, All law enforcement agencies in the state of Washington are represented, including city and county police officers, sheriffs and deputies, military police, the Secret Service, the United States Border Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Washington State Patrol, the Gambling Commission, and the Department of Corrections; and

       WHEREAS, Representatives of these agencies make up the Torch Run Council, which supports the annual campaign; and

       WHEREAS, Over twenty thousand city, county, tribal, state, and federal law enforcement officers throughout Washington organize Torch Run activities in their communities; and

       WHEREAS, Torch Run activities in Washington have raised more than seven hundred thousand dollars to benefit Special Olympics athletes; and

       WHEREAS, In honoring every individual and law enforcement officer who supports the Special Olympics, the torch will be lit on the steps of the Washington State Capitol and will be carried along Martin Way, to Interstate 5, to the opening ceremonies of Special Olympics Summer Games at McChord Air Force Base;

       NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Washington recognize and honor the Special Olympics Summer Games and all Law Enforcement Officers for their hard work, involvement, and dedication; and

       BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Law Enforcement Torch Run Council, the individuals involved in the Special Olympic Summer Games and the staff of Special Olympics Washington.

              I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

              Resolution 4714 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                  March 9, 1998.

                         ________________________________

                          Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk