RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Chicago City Council are pleased to honor Constantine M. Zografopoulos for the many years of service he has given to his community and to the physically disabled. He is a leader who never stops giving and doing for others; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed body has been informed of Constantine's contributions to the City of Chicago by the Honorable Margaret Laurino, Alderman of the 39th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Constantine was injured in an automobile accident in 1995 and as a result, both of his legs amputated. This traumatic experience was a pivotal moment in his life, helping him to find ways to support the disabled community; and
WHEREAS, Constantine is the Founder and Executive Director of the Z Life Program at Open Doors Organization. He has worked with the Open Doors Organization to make travel accessible to all individuals with disabilities. The Z Life Program seeks to empower people with disabilities by providing and creating information, integration, and participation for everyone. He was also involved in the Chicago Accessible Beach Path Project, which allowed wheelchair users to swim in the lakefront beaches; and
WHEREAS, On an international level, Constantine created the Perpato Organization for people with disabilities in Komotini, Greece, helping distribute 280 wheelchairs across the country; and
WHEREAS, He was named Hellene of the Year by the United Hellenic American Congress in 2004, and received awards from the Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois and the Ypapanti Society in 2010. He was the recipient of RIC's Tree of Life Award in 2001; and
WHEREAS, Constantine currently serves on the Chicago Park District Disability Advisory Board, Open Doors Organization Advisory Committee, United Airlines Advisory Board, and PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation Advisory Board. He is a member of the Rehabilitation of Institute of Chicago's (RIC) sports program and peer visitor program. He also serves as the Vice President of the P...
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