HR0862

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HOUSE RESOLUTION

  
 
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    WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of 
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Representatives are pleased to acknowledge that The Great Lakes 
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Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) is hosting the National 
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Junior Disability Championships, to be held in Deerfield and 
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Lake Forest from July 17-24, 2010; and
  
 
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    WHEREAS, The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association 
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(GLASA) was formed in 1993 by Cindy Housner, a professional in 
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adaptive sports to provide sports and recreational 
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opportunities to children and adults who had a primary physical 
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or visual impairment; as there were few adaptive sports 
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programs available for individuals living in northern 
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Illinois; and
 
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    WHEREAS, GLASA believes that the quality of life should 
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never be limited by a physical or visual impairment; and that 
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it is possible to remove boundaries, elevate expectations, 
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fulfill dreams, enhance self-worth, and empower individuals 
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with disabilities in competitive and recreational sports; and
 
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    WHEREAS, GLASA strives to promote and support the optimal 
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development and well being of youth and adults who have a 
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primary physical or visual impairment through the provision of 
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inclusive recreational, fitness and competitive sports 
 


 






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activities, and to offer opportunities for empowerment through 
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education, leadership, and training in collaboration with 
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community-based organizations; and
 
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    WHEREAS, The National Junior Disability Championships are 
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held every year (usually in July) in the United States; it is 
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an Olympic-style sports competition for physically disabled 
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youth, including, but not limited to, those with spina bifida, 
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cerebral palsy, amputees, visually impaired or blind, 
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dwarfism, and any other similar physical disabilities that 
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impede movement or the ability to participate in non-adapted 
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sports; and
 
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    WHEREAS, Competitions are held in track and field events 
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(javelin, shotput, discus, club, softball throw), 
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weightlifting, table tennis, archery, swimming, boccia, and 
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3-on-3 basketball; athletes can be from 7 to 21 years of age; 
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several paralympic athletes started their career as 
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competitors at the National Junior Disability Championships; 
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and
 
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    WHEREAS, The National Junior Disability Championships were 
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first held in July, 1984 with only 3 events; since that time, 
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the Championships  have been held in various states across the 
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nation; and
  
 
  
 


 






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    WHEREAS, The games are sanctioned by Wheelchair and 
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Ambulatory Sports USA and requires a large number of volunteers 
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to help run the competition; therefore, be it


  
 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
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NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
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acknowledge the National Junior Disability Championships and 
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wish all the contestants the best as they participate; and be 
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it further
  
 
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    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
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presented to a representative of the Great Lakes Adaptive 
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Sports Association as a symbol of our respect and esteem.