By Coleman H.C.R. No. 99 77R5148 MJS-D HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, Known worldwide for storied athletic 1-2 accomplishments, Carl Lewis has proven to be a champion in the 1-3 community as well, and his outstanding work with the Best Buddies 1-4 International organization is indeed worthy of special recognition; 1-5 and 1-6 WHEREAS, A former University of Houston Cougar, Mr. Lewis is 1-7 one of the most decorated athletes in Olympic history; he won nine 1-8 gold medals and one silver medal in his illustrious career and was 1-9 selected as one of ESPN's top 100 North American athletes of the 1-10 20th century; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis retired from track and field in 1997, 1-12 allowing him to spend even more time with various civic and 1-13 philanthropic organizations, and his service in behalf of Best 1-14 Buddies International is especially noteworthy; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies 1-16 strives to enhance the lives of people with mental retardation by 1-17 providing opportunities for friendships and employment; it now has 1-18 approximately 25,000 annual participants in more than 500 high 1-19 school and college campuses in the United States, Canada, and 1-20 Greece; and 1-21 WHEREAS, The organization has reaped the benefits of 1-22 Mr. Lewis's leadership and commitment; he has served on its board 1-23 of directors since 1993, and was accorded its highest honor in 1998 1-24 when he received the Best Buddies Spirit of Leadership Award; and 2-1 WHEREAS, Mr. Lewis has also generously donated his time and 2-2 considerable talents in other areas; he is a founding and current 2-3 board member of the Wendy Marx Foundation for Organ Donor Awareness 2-4 and also supports the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), including 2-5 establishing the highly successful UNCF Walkathon in Houston in 2-6 1986; and 2-7 WHEREAS, In community service as well as in sports, Carl 2-8 Lewis continues to set the standard for excellence; he has made a 2-9 positive impact on countless people, and it is truly a privilege to 2-10 pay tribute to him at this time; now, therefore, be it 2-11 RESOLVED, That the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-12 hereby honor Carl Lewis for his immeasurable contributions in 2-13 behalf of Best Buddies International and extend to him sincere best 2-14 wishes for good fortune and happiness in his future endeavors; and, 2-15 be it further 2-16 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-17 prepared for Mr. Lewis as a token of high regard by the Texas House 2-18 of Representatives and Senate.