HR1236 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1236 LRB100 23522 ALS 42689 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Pontiac Township High School (PTHS) on receiving national recognition from Special Olympics North America and ESPN for its efforts to provide inclusive sports and activities for all students; and

WHEREAS, Out of more than 400 Illinois schools participating in Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools programming, PTHS is one of four receiving national banner recognition; and

WHEREAS, To qualify for the Special Olympics award, the unified sports program had to meet ten strict criteria in areas related to youth engagement, unified sports, and whole-school involvement; the unified sports program also had to prove sustainability; the program is funded through an annual "Run for Respect 5k"; and

WHEREAS, PTHS began a Peers in Action Program in 1996 and joined Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools in 2012; the program has grown, and PTHS now offers Unified Soccer, Unified Basketball, Unified Bass Fishing, and Special Olympics Track and Field; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the athletic programs offered, the unified sports program involves the whole community through a "Fish for Respect" fishing tournament, a community day at Dairy Queen, and multiple other community-wide and county-wide initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the unified sports program at PTHS is being recognized by ESPN as the top school in Illinois for involving the school as a whole to create supportive classrooms and opportunities for growth for all students in addition to the sports opportunities, leadership opportunities, and other activities offered to Special Olympics athletes; and

WHEREAS, Despite the numerous successes of the program, PTHS is not resting; students, staff, administrators, and community members continue to brainstorm new ideas for inclusion; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the students and staff of PTHS, as well as the supportive community of Pontiac, for achieving national recognition from Special Olympics North America and ESPN for their work providing opportunities in athletics, leadership, and social events for all students; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we wish them continued success in their efforts and hold PTHS as an example for other schools to follow; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the United Champion Schools Site Coordinator, Laura Baumgardner, as a symbol of our esteem and respect.