Honor Kevin VanNostrand's Victory

Senate Resolution No. 3424 BY: Senator DEFRANCISCO CONGRATULATING Kevin VanNostrand of Liverpool, New York, upon the occasion of capturing the Glory Interim Featherweight World Title WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those esteemed individuals within our midst, who by achieving outstanding success in athletic competitions, have inspired and brought great pride to their state and community; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Kevin VanNostrand, of Liverpool, New York, upon the occasion of winning the Glory 48 Kickboxing Featherweight Tournament; and WHEREAS, Glory World Series, of Glory Sports International, is where martial arts athletes, highly skilled in a wide array of combat disciplines, including Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, Karate, Kung-Fu, Tae Kwon Do and Capoeira, converge under one set of rules to determine who reigns supreme in the ring; and WHEREAS, The International Glory 48 Kickboxing Tournament is the highest level of competition for the sport; and WHEREAS, At the young age of eight, Kevin VanNostrand started training in the martial arts, and subsequently, won a 3rd degree Kenpo Karate black belt under Shihan Him Andrello; shortly thereafter, he began to receive recognition for his athleticism and electrifying performances; and WHEREAS, Seeking competition, Kevin VanNostrand entered the amateur Muay Thai circuit and quickly found success, going on a 14-fight streak of knockout victories; as an amateur, he claimed the World Kickboxing Association's North-East, United States, and World Titles all in the matter of 24 months; and WHEREAS, After Kevin VanNostrand turned professional, he continued to compete, earning the highest knockout percentage streak of any fighter in his division; he then went on to win the United States North American Professional Muay Thai Titles; and WHEREAS, In August of 2017, Kevin VanNostrand signed with Glory Kickboxing, the largest kickboxing promoter in the world; and WHEREAS, On December 1, 2017, in front of a worldwide audience watching on ESPN, Kevin VanNostrand won the Glory Interim Featherweight World Title by knocking out his opponent in the first round at Madison Square Garden; and WHEREAS, By earning this monumental victory in the featherweight class, Kevin VanNostrand became the sole American competitor to win the world title; and WHEREAS, Described as a "quiet killer," Kevin VanNostrand may be the most ferocious and devastating athlete that has ever entered the ring; and WHEREAS, Although Kevin VanNostrand has a high knockout rate, his demeanor outside of the ring is described as polite and soft-spoken; he is often characterized as a humble, respectful gentleman; and WHEREAS, A committed family man, Kevin VanNostrand has been enthusiastically been supported throughout his journey by his loving fiance and the couple's two beautiful daughters; and WHEREAS, Kevin VanNostrand has become a role model in the sport of professional kickboxing; his character and achievements stand as a sterling example and inspiration to all who would aspire to success; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Kevin VanNostrand of Liverpool, New York, upon the occasion of capturing the Glory Interim Featherweight World Title; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Kevin VanNostrand.