HR1351 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1351 LRB096 22688 KXB 42019 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, A team of exceptional athletes, many of whom are wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans representing all military branches, departed from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, on May 22, 2010, on an inaugural bike trek across America; and

WHEREAS, These amazing athletes will conduct a bike ride spanning 63 days and 4,000 miles, as they travel to Virginia Beach, Virginia, testing their physical limits and inspiring people, disabled or not, to live active and enriched lives; and

WHEREAS, This bike trek, called the Sea to Shining Sea program, honors the courage of our service men and women, recognizing the strength of the American spirit, and challenges the perception of how we view athletes; and

WHEREAS, Along their journey, the riders will cycle through deserts, over mountain passes, and travel by historical landmarks, providing dramatic proof that disabled Americans can lead productive lives and accomplish feats that most people only dream about; and

WHEREAS, Among the supporters joining the group are Army Brigadier General Arnold N. Gordon-Bray, retired Marine Corps General Robert Magnus, and Ambassador Paul Bremer, who oversaw the reconstruction of Iraq from May 2003 to June 2004; and

WHEREAS, State Farm Insurance Company is a proud supporter of Sea to Shining Sea, showing support for service men and women and their commitment to being there for our country; and

WHEREAS State Farm agents across the country will be there for all 63 days of the ride, serving as community coordinators, providing information, helping with logistics and route planning, and rallying communities to celebrate their riders along the way; and

WHEREAS, Other supporters of the ride include MeadWestvaco Corporation, Dominion Resources, NewMarket Corporation, General Electric, Penske Truck Rental, Verizon Wireless, Westinghouse Electric Company, and Soldiers Angels; and

WHEREAS, World T.E.A.M. Sports, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating soul-stirring opportunities for individuals of all abilities through the power of sport, has successfully organized and implemented the Sea to Shining Sea ride; and

WHEREAS, The riders, on their way to Virginia Beach, will travel through the State of Illinois beginning July 2 through July 7, making their way through the communities of Durham, La Harpe, Blandinsville, Good Hope, Bushnell, Chekrow, Fiatt, Cuba, Canton, Monterey, Kingston Mines, Mapleton, Hollis, Pekin, Mackinaw, Danvers, Bloomington, Normal, Leroy, Empire, Farmer City, Mansfield, Mahomet, Champaign, St. Joseph, Ogden, Fithian, Muncie, Bucktown, and Danville; and

WHEREAS, Illinois citizens are encouraged to warmly greet these athletes, congratulating them and encouraging them as they continue their incredible journey; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we encourage citizens of the State of Illinois to welcome the Sea to Shining Sea cyclists as they travel through our State; we encourage citizens of the State to offer any assistance they can provide, and send best wishes for a successful and life-changing experience as they struggle, overcome, and enjoy the amazing feat of cycling across our beautiful and most glorious country.