Honor Neal J. Johnson Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 3087 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING Neal J. Johnson upon the occasion of his retirement after 20 years of distinguished service as President and CEO of Special Olympics New York, Inc. WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed residents of this noble Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Neal J. Johnson upon the occasion of his retirement after 20 years of distinguished service as President and CEO of Special Olympics New York, Inc.; he will officially retire on September 1, 2017; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion will be celebrated with a cocktail reception held in his honor on Friday, September 15, 2017, at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center in Albany, New York; and WHEREAS, A graduate of St. Bonaventure University, Neal J. Johnson has spent nearly his entire adult life in service for people with intellectual disabilities, both professionally and as a volunteer; and WHEREAS, Neal J. Johnson began his journey with the athletes of Special Olympics New York (SONY) when he was asked to help establish the program in the Bronx, New York; since then, he has served as a volunteer, a coach, and for the past 20 years, as President and CEO; and WHEREAS, Throughout his esteemed career, Neal J. Johnson has successfully guided New York to become the largest program in North America and the sixth largest program in the world; SONY has grown to include 68,547 athletes, 35,000 volunteers, and 5,478 dedicated coaches who are supported across New York State; and WHEREAS, Globally recognized for his expertise in both coaching and officiating in Special Olympics sports as well as training athletes with disabilities, Neal J. Johnson has served as a Lead Clinician for coaching and officiating sports internationally and has been an International Technical Official at every Special Olympics World Games since 1995; and WHEREAS, On behalf of people with intellectual disabilities, Neal J. Johnson has spoken and presented to many corporations and civic organizations as well as multiple levels of government including the New York State Legislature, the United States Congress and the United Nations; and WHEREAS, In May of 2014, Neal J. Johnson was the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from St. Bonaventure University in recognition of his four decades of lifelong service and tenacious leadership to those with intellectual disabilities; and WHEREAS, For the past 43 years, Neal J. Johnson rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to Special Olympics New York, Inc., earning the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Neal J. Johnson upon the occasion of his retirement after 20 years of distinguished service as President and CEO of Special Olympics New York, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Neal J. Johnson.