78R12294 WMS-D

By:  Hodge                                                        H.R. No. 777



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Soccer legend Antonio Carlos Pecorari, known as 
"Tatu" to his countless fans, retired after 18 years with the Dallas 
Sidekicks as a player and a coach, having earned the lasting 
adoration of many for his remarkable contributions both as an 
athlete and as an inspiring role model for young people; and
	WHEREAS, A native of Brazil, Tatu was born February 1, 1962, 
and became a soccer professional at the age of 17 when he joined 
Brazil's Sao Paolo team; he went on to star with the Tampa Bay 
Rowdies of the North American Soccer League before becoming a 
member of the expansion Major Indoor Soccer League Dallas Sidekicks 
franchise in 1984; and
	WHEREAS, During his 18 years with the Sidekicks, Tatu was one 
of the nation's premier soccer players; in addition to playing a 
vital role in four championships, he is a six-time most valuable 
player, 11-time scoring champion, 10-time all-star, and three-time 
championship series MVP; and
	WHEREAS, He also holds an amazing number of Dallas Sidekicks' 
franchise records, including most games, goals, assists, points, 
shots, power play goals, game-winning goals, and overtime goals; 
and
	WHEREAS, The boundless enthusiasm that led Tatu to throw his 
shirt into the stands after scoring each of his many goals through 
the years remains evident today through his work as the coach of 
several Dallas-area youth teams and his numerous personal 
appearances as an ambassador for the sport of soccer; and
	WHEREAS, Although Tatu's many records and accolades are a 
testament to his skill as an athlete, it is his remarkable love of 
the game and his willingness to share that joy with others that sets 
him apart; his impact on the sport of soccer cannot be overstated, 
and it is indeed fitting that he be accorded special legislative 
recognition at this time; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby congratulate Antonio Carlos "Tatu" Pecorari on 
his exceptional soccer career and his contributions to the youth of 
Texas and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success 
and happiness; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for Mr. Pecorari as an expression of high regard by the 
Texas House of Representatives.