Honor Little League Champions

Assembly Resolution No. 121 BY: M. of A. Lupardo CONGRATULATING the Maine-Endwell Little League Team upon the occasion of capturing the Little League World Championship on August 28, 2016 WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be achieved only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit, nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical development of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of fair play and competition; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to those esteemed individuals within the State of New York who distinguish themselves through outstanding achievements in worldwide athletic competition; and WHEREAS, The Maine-Endwell Little League Team captured the 2016 Little League Championship, the team ended a five-year championship drought for the United States' teams on Little League's biggest stage and gave New York its first title since 1964; and WHEREAS, On Sunday, August 28, 2016, the Maine-Endwell Little League Team capped off an undefeated season with an exciting 2-1 win over the South Korean Little League Team in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, In addition, the Maine-Endwell Little League Team marked history by being the first Little League World Series Champions to receive, by unanimous vote, the Jack Losch Little League Baseball World Series Team Sportsmanship Award; and WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by this team is a reflection of the tireless efforts of Coaches Scott Rush, Joe Mancini and Joe Hopko, skilled and inspirational mentors, respected for their ability to encourage young athletes and develop potential into excellence; and WHEREAS, The players and coaches were loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, friends, and fans while igniting pride over the entire community; and WHEREAS, The hallmarks of the Maine-Endwell Little League Team, from the opening game of the season to participation in the World Championship, were a brotherhood of athletic ability, of good sportsmanship, of honor and of integrity, demonstrating that these team players are second to none; and WHEREAS, The talented members of the Maine-Endwell Little League Team have proven themselves to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favorably on not only their community, but also the State and Nation as a whole; and WHEREAS, Little League Board President Mitch Gorton and Vice President Bob Bennett were instrumental in coordinating efforts between the team, parents and the local community to ensure the team had the support needed to secure the titles; and WHEREAS, Sports competition instills the values of teamwork, pride and accomplishment, and the coaching staff and these outstanding athletes have clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a tradition of their community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate the Maine-Endwell Little League Team; its members: Billy Dundon, Jude Abbadessa, Brody Raleigh, Michael Mancini, Jordan Owens, Conner Rush, Justin Ryan, Jack Hopko, James Fellows, Jayden Fanara and Ryan Harlost; and the coaching staff, on their outstanding undefeated season and overall team accomplishments; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Maine-Endwell Little League Team and to the aforementioned coaching staff and board members.