H.R. No. 49
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         
  WHEREAS, Rushan Gao of Houston has once again excelled in his
 
  work as a talented participant in and dedicated sponsor of senior
 
  table tennis competition in 2010; and
         
         WHEREAS, Already a highly successful player, Mr. Gao, age 89,
 
  added to his long list of accomplishments with outstanding
 
  performances in six tournaments, collecting a total of 15 gold
 
  medals and 1 silver medal over the course of the year; and
         
         WHEREAS, This determined competitor dominated play in the
 
  singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events at the Houston Senior
 
  Table Tennis Open, at both the San Antonio and Brazos Valley Senior
 
  Olympic Games, and at the Nevada and Texas State Senior Olympic
 
  Games; he also continued his tradition of excellence at the
 
  prestigious Huntsman World Senior Games, claiming two gold medals
 
  in table tennis events and a silver in bridge; it was the sixth
 
  consecutive year he has won at least two table tennis gold medals at
 
  the Huntsman games, and he took home three golds each year between
 
  2005 and 2009; and
         
         WHEREAS, In his senior games career, Mr. Gao has earned 83
 
  gold medals, 14 silver medals, and 6 bronze medals; most have come
 
  in table tennis, but he has also distinguished himself at bridge and
 
  in the two-mile walk; his triumphs are all the more impressive given
 
  the fact that he suffers from a serious heart condition that has
 
  required intensive medical treatment; and
         
         WHEREAS, Mr. Gao takes part in sporting events to promote the
 
  positive benefits of physical fitness regardless of one's age; he
 
  has furthered that message through his ongoing sponsorship of the
 
  Houston Senior Table Tennis Open and a family relative group
 
  tournament, and his efforts have helped convince his fellow Houston
 
  residents to become more active; and
         
         WHEREAS, Rushan Gao remains an inspiration for Texans young
 
  and old, and his enduring success as a sportsman and physical
 
  fitness advocate is indeed deserving of recognition; now,
 
  therefore, be it
         
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
 
  Legislature hereby congratulate Rushan Gao on another year of
 
  notable sporting achievements in 2010 and extend to him sincere
 
  best wishes for the future; and, be it further
         
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
 
  prepared for Mr. Gao as an expression of high regard by the Texas
 
  House of Representatives.
 
  Hochberg
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 49 was adopted by the House on
  February 24, 2011, by a non-record vote.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House