Declaring May 1-May 7, 2000 as Special Olympics Philadelphia Week.

WHEREAS, May is recognized as Mental Retardation Awareness and Volunteer Recognition Month.

WHEREAS, Special Olympics Philadelphia is a volunteer-led program of Special Olympics Pennsylvania, entering its 30th year of providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for Philadelphia's children and adults with mental retardation; and

WHEREAS, Its mission is to give athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and other friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. In celebration of this momentus anniversary, a new initiative called Mega City Philadelphia has been launched in an effort to expand services to meet the recreational and social needs of 15,000 adult Philadelphians who could benefit from a year-round program; and

WHEREAS, With over 7,000 dedicated volunteers that come from the general public, as well as corporations, public and private educational institutions and other organizations, inclusive of a 30-year partnership with City of Philadelphia government and school district, the Special Olympics Philadelphia serves over 4,000 mentally challenged children; and

WHEREAS, Events scheduled for the week include a Celebrity Sports Auction, The Special Olympics May Games featuring competitions in basketball, tennis and track and field in addition to clinics in sports skills and an Olympic Town; and

WHEREAS, The Special Olympics Philadelphia's athletic oath of "Let me win, But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt" instills self worth within the mentally challenged and, a deeper appreciation and kinship for All, regardless of real or perceived limitations; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we declare May 1st - May 7th as Special Olympics Philadelphia Week and commend their efforts to promote an appreciation of sports, and the values that it instills, in the mentally challenged. Further commending the successful collaborations that the organization has been able to form with individuals, businesses and other organizations that seek to ensure an equitable treatment and respect for these special citizens of Philadelphia.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Special Olympics Philadelphia in recognition of their efforts and advocacy on behalf of both children and adults with mental retardation and evidencing the sincere sentiments and high commendation of this legislative body.

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