By Thompson, Danburg H.R. No. 297
74R7141 JLZ-D
R E S O L U T I O N
1-1 WHEREAS, Since being catapulted to international prominence
1-2 with his impressive victory for the Olympic heavyweight boxing
1-3 title at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, native Texan George
1-4 Edward Foreman has remained one of the most admired and beloved
1-5 sports figures of the last quarter century; and
1-6 WHEREAS, Bursting upon the sports scene at a time of trouble
1-7 and unrest, the young heavyweight boxer captivated the American
1-8 public with a heartwarming display of patriotism, and the indelible
1-9 image of this formidable champion waving an American flag in the
1-10 ring after winning the Olympic gold medal endeared him to millions
1-11 of fans; and
1-12 WHEREAS, Entering the professional boxing ranks shortly
1-13 thereafter, Mr. Foreman achieved an impressive record and became
1-14 one of the dominant figures in his sport; from 1968 until 1977, he
1-15 entered the ring 47 times and emerged victorious 45 times, knocking
1-16 out his opponents an incredible 42 times and holding the world
1-17 heavyweight title from January 1973 until October 1974; and
1-18 WHEREAS, On his retirement in 1977, he became actively
1-19 involved in the Christian ministry and founded the Church of the
1-20 Lord Jesus Christ in his native Houston; an ordained minister since
1-21 1979, he has poured his boundless energy and enthusiasm into a
1-22 variety of programs in behalf of the city's youth; and
1-23 WHEREAS, In 1984, he and his brother Roy founded the George
1-24 Foreman Neighborhood Center in North Houston to provide wholesome
2-1 activities in a supportive environment for thousands of children
2-2 and young adults in the community; and
2-3 WHEREAS, Returning to the ring in 1987, Mr. Foreman proceeded
2-4 to silence critics who had questioned the wisdom of his coming out
2-5 of retirement by winning 24 bouts to become a legitimate contender
2-6 for the heavyweight crown once again; and
2-7 WHEREAS, Finally, on November 4, 1994, at the age of 45, he
2-8 completed one of the most amazing comebacks in sports history with
2-9 a stunning victory over the defending titleholder Michael Moorer to
2-10 reclaim the championship belt he had worn 20 years earlier, and in
2-11 the process he entered the record books as the oldest boxer ever to
2-12 hold the world heavyweight title; and
2-13 WHEREAS, Reigning supreme in one of the most violent of
2-14 sports, this gentle man nevertheless is known as much for his warm
2-15 heart and kindness of spirit as he is for his prowess in the ring,
2-16 and he has earned widespread respect and admiration for his
2-17 generous acts of philanthropy; and
2-18 WHEREAS, Among his most notable contributions to the
2-19 well-being of his fellowman are his substantial support for
2-20 programs and service organizations such as the AIDS Foundation
2-21 Stone Soup Kitchen, the American Cancer Society, and Texas Southern
2-22 University's Endowed Scholarship Fund; and
2-23 WHEREAS, His generous gifts to The University of Texas M. D.
2-24 Anderson Cancer Center, including a recent million dollar donation
2-25 for a new pediatric intensive care unit, have only enhanced his
2-26 reputation as a magnificent humanitarian; and
2-27 WHEREAS, Throughout his career, whether as an Olympic and
3-1 professional boxer, minister of God, counselor to troubled youth,
3-2 or philanthropist, this native Texan has shown an extraordinary
3-3 capacity to strive for excellence, to succeed in all of his
3-4 endeavors, and to demonstrate his concern for the poor, the young,
3-5 the sick, and the needy; now, therefore, be it
3-6 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 74th Texas
3-7 Legislature hereby commend George Edward Foreman on his outstanding
3-8 record of achievement and numerous contributions to the betterment
3-9 of his community; and, be it further
3-10 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
3-11 prepared for Mr. Foreman as an expression of high esteem by the
3-12 Texas House of Representatives.