HR0862 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0862 LRB096 18250 KXB 35248 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to acknowledge that The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) is hosting the National Junior Disability Championships, to be held in Deerfield and Lake Forest from July 17-24, 2010; and

WHEREAS, The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) was formed in 1993 by Cindy Housner, a professional in adaptive sports to provide sports and recreational opportunities to children and adults who had a primary physical or visual impairment; as there were few adaptive sports programs available for individuals living in northern Illinois; and

WHEREAS, GLASA believes that the quality of life should never be limited by a physical or visual impairment; and that it is possible to remove boundaries, elevate expectations, fulfill dreams, enhance self-worth, and empower individuals with disabilities in competitive and recreational sports; and

WHEREAS, GLASA strives to promote and support the optimal development and well being of youth and adults who have a primary physical or visual impairment through the provision of inclusive recreational, fitness and competitive sports activities, and to offer opportunities for empowerment through education, leadership, and training in collaboration with community-based organizations; and

WHEREAS, The National Junior Disability Championships are held every year (usually in July) in the United States; it is an Olympic-style sports competition for physically disabled youth, including, but not limited to, those with spina bifida, cerebral palsy, amputees, visually impaired or blind, dwarfism, and any other similar physical disabilities that impede movement or the ability to participate in non-adapted sports; and

WHEREAS, Competitions are held in track and field events (javelin, shotput, discus, club, softball throw), weightlifting, table tennis, archery, swimming, boccia, and 3-on-3 basketball; athletes can be from 7 to 21 years of age; several paralympic athletes started their career as competitors at the National Junior Disability Championships; and

WHEREAS, The National Junior Disability Championships were first held in July, 1984 with only 3 events; since that time, the Championships have been held in various states across the nation; and

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

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we acknowledge the National Junior Disability Championships and wish all the contestants the best as they participate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to a representative of the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association as a symbol of our respect and esteem.