OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RA HM EMANUEL
MAYOR
September 24, 2015
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I transmit herewith, together with Aldermen Thompson, Burke, O'Shea, Taliaferro and Joe Moore, a congratulatory resolution concerning the Bronze Medal Winners for the Special Olympics World Games Football/Soccer competition.
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
Mayor
Very truly yours,
VvflClffiflS > Thie desire to meet d challenge, to excel through dedication and hard work and to triumph over adversity is perhaps humanity's most cherished and noble quality; and
WHEREAS, The Special Olympics International World Games were held in Los Angeles, California this year from July 25 through August 1; and
WHEREAS, Special Olympics originated in Illinois, with the first games being held at Soldier Field in July of 1968, thanks to the efforts of Justice Anne M. Burke, . Eunice Kennedy Shriver and others; and
WHEREAS, The mission of Special Olympics Illinois is to provide.year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Special Olympics now has more than 4.4 million athletes, representing 170 countries; and
WHEREAS, Four athletes were selected from Chicago to represent the United States in the Special Olympics soccer competition this year; and .
WHEREAS, The selected athletes were Keith Tyler of Kosciuszko Park, and Israel Rivera, Antonio Williams, and Michael Henderson of Loyola Park; and
WHEREAS, Along with their other teammates, these young men won the Bronze Medal in soccer; and
WHEREAS, Keith Tyler, Israel Rivera, Antonio Williams and Michael Henderson have demonstrated courage and brought joy, excitement and friendship to the Special Olympics. These gifted athletes have inspired others in countless ways; and
WHEREAS, All four of these outstanding individuals have been involved in . Special Olympics for. many years: Keith Tyler for 21 years, Israel Rivera for 10 - . years, Antonio Williams for 19 years and Michael Henderson for 10 years; and
WHEREAS, All of Chicago is proud of these young , athletes and their accomplishments, and we Wish them well in the future; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-fourth day of September, 2015, do hereby congratulate Keith Tyler, Israel Rivera, Antonio Williams and Michael Henderson on their tremendous victory as Bronze Medal winners in the Special . Olympics World Games Football/Soccer competition in 2015. We also wish to congratulate their coaches: Jose Herrera, of Loyola Park, and Eileen Guinane, of. Kosciuszko Park, under the guidance of the Chicago Park District Special Olympics Manager, Michael Benavente; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to these four fine young men as a sign of our respect and good wishes.