WHEREAS, The Special Olympics is an organization of excellent repute dedicated to promoting competitive sports for all citizens of the United States; and
     WHEREAS, In 2013, the United States delegation to the Special Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea was comprised of 200 athletes, coaches, and trainers; and
     WHEREAS, Six of these dedicated and determined athletes who traveled halfway around the world to uphold the honor of our illustrious nation were from Washington state; and
     WHEREAS, Zachary Nelson, representing the great city of Pasco, competed in Alpine Skiing and flew to victory with a bronze medal in the Advanced Super G event; and
     WHEREAS, Ben Green, representing the beautiful city of Seattle, competed in Cross Country Skiing and completed the incredible accomplishment of achieving one gold and one bronze medal for the glory of his state and nation; and
     WHEREAS, Michelle Jay, representing the exceptional city of Sammamish, competed in Cross Country Skiing and achieved the estimable accomplishment of a silver medal in the 4x1 kilometer relay race; and
     WHEREAS, David Bishop, representing the illustrious city of Seattle, competed in Cross Country Skiing and beat back the competition to achieve three silver medals; and
     WHEREAS, Heather Comer, representing the admirable city of Spokane Valley, competed in Alpine Skiing and surmounted all odds to rise through the ranks of competitors who were determined to prevent her from attaining her goal of winning the gold medal for the honor of her country, state, and city; and
     WHEREAS, Heather Comer achieved lasting greatness, following in the footsteps of storied Olympic skiers who have won a gold and silver medal in Alpine Skiing; and
     WHEREAS, Michelle Stedman, representing the close neighbor of Washington state, the abundant state of Idaho, competed in Cross Country Skiing and achieved a silver medal that brought honor and glory to her state;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That it is with great respect that the Washington State Senate honor the accomplishments and excellence exemplified by Zachary Nelson, Ben Green, Michelle Jay, Heather Comer, David Bishop, and Michelle Stedman; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Zachary Nelson, Ben Green, Michelle Jay, Heather Comer, David Bishop, Michelle Stedman, Beth Wojick, President and CEO of the Special Olympics, and John Borgognoni, Vice President of Sports and Programing for the Special Olympics.