SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 162

WHEREAS, The unified floorball team of J. M. Hanks High School in El Paso will compete in the 2022 Special Olympics Winter World Games; and

WHEREAS, The Hanks UKnighted team earned that distinction with its exceptional performance in the Special Olympic qualifying round that took place in San Antonio in February 2020; in just its first year of play, the squad won all three of its games at the event and will represent the United States in Kazan, Russia, where the World Winter Games will be held in January 2022; the team will join more than 2,000 athletes and Unified partners from 108 different nations who are taking part in the competition; and

WHEREAS, Guided by head coach Ricardo Rodriguez, the Hanks UKnighted team is made up of special education and general education students at the school; El Paso residents have taken great pride in the accomplishments of the athletes and have helped raise funds to cover travel expenses for the trip to Russia; and

WHEREAS, By earning the chance to compete against teams from around the world, the members of Hanks UKnighted have realized an exceptional achievement, and when they take the floor at the World Winter Games they will have the heartfelt support of their many fans in the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby congratulate the Hanks High School unified floorball team for qualifying for the 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games and that all those associated with the team be extended sincere best wishes for success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Blanco

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 22, 2021.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate