RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Claude A. Walton celebrated the joyous occasion of his 100th birthday on August 1, 2013; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this event by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, A pioneering African-American athlete and long time resident of Chicago's South Side, Claude A. Walton is an outstanding example of perseverance and public service; and
WHEREAS, Enrolling in the University of Colorado as a music major in 1933, Claude A. Walton played on the track and basketball teams and blazed a trail as that institution's first African-American varsity athlete; and
WHEREAS, A record-setting discus thrower, Claude A. Walton became the University of Colorado's first Ail-American athlete in 1937; and
WHEREAS, In 1937 Claude A. Walton moved to Chicago to work for the Chicago Park District; and
WHEREAS, Claude A. Walton faithfully served the City for forty-eight years and became a Chicago Park District trustee; and
WHEREAS, In 2008 the University of Colorado awarded Claude A. Walton an honorary degree and inducted him into their Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Claude A. Walton serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest inspire Claude A. Walton's family members, friends and all who know him; and
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this eleventh day of September, 2013, do hereby commend Claude A. Walton for his many achievements and do hereby send him our best wishes for much continued health and happiness; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Claude A. Walton.
Alderman - 14th Ward