HR0647 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0647 LRB096 13709 GRL 28474 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to honor the lives and legacies of those persons who make a positive impact on the citizens of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Canning was regarded in the Taekwondo community as an outstanding young competitor; he was a member of the 1999 U.S. Elite Team as well as 11 State martial arts teams; he was invited to participate with the 2001 U.S. Gold Team; he was also the winner of 15 State and 3 national titles; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Canning was an inductee in 2 U.S., 2 World, and 10 International Halls of Fame in such categories as Junior Martial Arts Legend, World's Outstanding Junior Martial Artist, North America's Outstanding Junior Martial Artist, and Outstanding Junior Martial Artist of the Past Decade; 18 martial arts legends throughout the world have paid tribute to his many achievements; 12 special organization awards have also been given for his work; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Canning was the topic of 6 articles in national and international martial arts magazines; he was also featured on the cover of the Spring 2009 issue of USA Taekwondo News; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Canning was the recipient of 2 President's Volunteer Service Awards from President George W. Bush and the Points of Light Foundation; he was also honored with the Legacy of Service Award from the Secretary General of the Youth Assembly of the United Nations; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his contributions to Taekwondo, 10 competitor awards and 5 scholarships are now given in Christopher Canning's name in the United States and abroad; since 2001, 45 national, international, and world champions have received a Christopher Canning Outstanding Competitor Award at major martial arts championships or Hall of Fame events; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Canning was an academically solid student who consistently appeared on his school's honor roll; he played the classical piano for 4 years and performed in 3 recitals; he also played the drums in his school band, helping his team to win a State championship; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Canning had a great love of animals; he would help his grandparents with their animal shelter on weekdays and would help with animal adoption efforts during the weekends; he also had a special bond with his beloved dog, Max; and

WHEREAS, Christopher Canning will be remembered fondly by his fellow martial artists, the members of this body, and martial arts fans throughout the world not only for his many accolades and accomplishments, but also for the legacy of hard work and integrity he created both on and off the mat; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we honor the life and legacy of Christopher James Canning and mourn the loss of this young man many years before his time; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Christopher Canning as a symbol of our esteem and respect.