R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run begins this
 1-2     year's 30th annual Texas Special Olympics Summer Games, and it is
 1-3     truly fitting to recognize both of these noteworthy events; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Begun in Waco in 1969, the Texas Special Olympics
 1-5     Summer Games affords people with mental retardation the opportunity
 1-6     to compete in athletics while developing skills that help them
 1-7     become productive members of the community; for 1999, the event is
 1-8     being held in Houston and will boast the participation of more than
 1-9     15,000 athletes, coaches, family members, and volunteers; and
1-10           WHEREAS, The Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run is a 2,500-mile
1-11     trans-Texas relay that annually begins these games, transporting
1-12     the Olympic torch across the Lone Star State; the Austin leg of the
1-13     relay, which will feature such noted participants as Governor
1-14     George W. Bush and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, is taking place on May
1-15     26, 1999, and will conclude at the south steps of the State
1-16     Capitol; and
1-17           WHEREAS, The state law enforcement community is the biggest
1-18     financial supporter of the Texas Special Olympics, each year
1-19     raising more than $1 million; the Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run
1-20     is the largest such endeavor in the nation and, in addition to
1-21     generating funds, promotes public awareness of these praiseworthy
1-22     games; and
1-23           WHEREAS, For 30 years the Texas Special Olympics Summer Games
1-24     have provided healthy athletic competition and personal growth for
 2-1     the mentally retarded, and as this grand occasion gets underway
 2-2     with the Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run it is indeed appropriate
 2-3     to pay tribute to both of these significant events at this time;
 2-4     now, therefore, be it
 2-5           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
 2-6     Legislature hereby honor the 30th anniversary of the Texas Special
 2-7     Olympics Summer Games and the Law Enforcement Torch Run and extend
 2-8     to all those associated with these auspicious events sincere best
 2-9     wishes for continued success and happiness.
                                                                      Hunter
                                                           Turner of Coleman
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 956 was adopted by the House on May
         26, 1999, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House