SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1998-8723

By Senators T. Sheldon, Rasmussen, Hale, B. Sheldon, Spanel and Franklin

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

     Whereas, The Special Olympics, founded in 1968, give Washington=s developmentally disabled citizens the opportunity to develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they use their athletic skills to compete in the twenty four different Olympic-type summer and winter sports; and

     Whereas, Through successful experiences in sports, 6,000 Special Olympic participants gain confidence and build a positive self-image which carries over into the classroom, the home, the job, and the community; and

     Whereas, These citizens and their families develop lifelong friendships which unite the community throughout the state and nation; and

     Whereas, The Special Olympics as a non-profit organization, raises funds to provide continued access for year-round sports training and competition for participants; and

     Whereas, All law enforcement agencies in the state of Washington are represented, including city and county police officers, sheriffs and deputies, military police, Secret Service, U.S. Border Patrol, FBI, Washington State Patrol, Washington Gambling Commission and Department of Corrections. Representatives of these agencies make up the Torch Run Council, which supports the annual campaign; and

     Whereas, Under the dedicated supervision of Regional Director, Alex Young, the Special Olympics has encouraged each and every participant;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the state of Washington recognize and honor the Special Olympic Summer Games organizers, sponsors, and most of all, the participants, for their hard work, involvement and dedication; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the individuals involved in the Special Olympic Summer Games and regional director, Alex Young.

I, Mike O=Connell, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1998-8723,

adopted by the Senate March 9, 1998.

MIKE O=CONNELL

Secretary of the Senate