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.