Honor Jason Robinson's Wins

1,600- and 3,200-meter Wheelchair Division Championships WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay just tribute to those citizens who embody the true American spirit, demonstrating personal courage and conviction in pursuit of athletic achievement without regard to physical limitation; and 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, A sophomore at Westmoreland High School, Jason Robinson captured the 3,200-meter event with a time of 8:45.96, the 1,600- in

4:19.11 and the 800- in 2:04.69 during the NYSPHSAA Track and Field Wheelchair Division Champions from June 7-8, 2019, at Middletown High School; and WHEREAS, Even though he was the only participant in the wheelchair division, Jason Robinson proudly proved that anyone can accomplish anything, and that there are opportunities for other people in wheelchairs to race for a New York State Championship; and WHEREAS, With overwhelming support from Westmoreland track and field coach Neal Bartlett and officials from the school district, Section III and New York State, legislation was pushed through and a wheelchair division was established for the New York State Championships; and WHEREAS, Racing is not new to Jason Robinson; he made history six years ago, at the young age of 10, when he became the youngest participant to compete in the Boilermaker 15K Road Race's wheelchair division; and WHEREAS, In addition to track and field, Jason Robinson has excelled in several other sports including wheelchair basketball, competitive swimming and sled hockey; and WHEREAS, Jason Robinson has also won approximately 30 track and field and swimming titles at Junior Nationals; and WHEREAS, Jason Robinson's overall record is outstanding, he has been loyally and enthusiastically supported by family, fans, friends and the community at large; and WHEREAS, Jason Robinson has truly proven himself to be an unbeatable combination of talents, reflecting favorably on his school; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and applaud the achievements of its citizens who would elect to challenge life with an uncommon spirit and determination, demonstrating by example and purposeful action that commitment to personal goals is the wellspring of self-fulfillment and triumph; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Jason Robinson upon the occasion of capturing the 2019 NYSPHSAA Track and Field 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter Wheelchair Division Championships; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Jason Robinson.