RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, New Zealand's two-time World Cup Champion team, the Maori All Blacks, will return to Soldier Field in Chicago on November 5, 2016 to play Ireland; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this event by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, The match is part of Rugby Weekend which also includes a game on November 4, 2016 between the USA Eagles and New Zealand at Toyota Park; and
WHEREAS, The Irish Rugby Union is ranked Number 6 in the world rankings and has won the 6 Nations Championship 13 times, most recently in 2015; and
WHEREAS, The All Blacks, featuring players of Maori descent, last played at Soldier Field in 2014 when the team defeated the USA Eagles in front of 61,500 fans in what was the most highly attended single rugby event in the history of the United States; and
WHEREAS, The upcoming games build upon the popularity of rugby that has resulted from the momentum of the Rio Olympic Games and are the latest in a line of rugby events held in North American venues; and
WHEREAS, The City of Chicago is home to a thriving youth culture in Rugby Illinois and clubs that have reached domestic National Championships; and
WHEREAS, Rugby Weekend will showcase world-class rugby talent to Chicago area residents, many of whom proudly celebrate their Irish heritage; and
WHEREAS, Shane Ross, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for the Republic of Ireland will visit Chicago to attend the rugby match weekend festivities; and
WHEREAS, A breakfast reception honoring Minister Shane Ross' visit to Chicago will be held on November 4, 2016 at the Union League Club; and
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this first day of November, 2016, do hereby declare that November 5, 2016, shall be recognized as Irish Rugby Day throughout the City of Chicago; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Minister Shane Ross.
Alajerman - 14th War...
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