Virginia House resolution congratulates Northern Neck Special Olympics soccer team

By Jimmy LaRoue

A Virginia House joint resolution proposed by Del. Margaret Ransone, which congratulates the Special Olympics Virginia Area 28 soccer team, has passed both the House of Delegates and the state Senate by voice votes.

The Area 28 team consists of players from Northumberland, Lancaster, Richmond, Westmoreland and Essex counties.

The Area 28 team won the gold medal at the Special Olympics Virginia state tournament in Nov. 2012, defeating four teams in the process.

The text of the resolution follows:

WHEREAS, Special Olympics Virginia is divided into seven regions; Area 28 of the Rappahannock Region is made up of Northumberland, Lancaster, Richmond, Westmoreland, and Essex Counties; and

WHEREAS, earlier in the season, the Area 28 Special Olympians triumphed at a regional tournament in Fredericksburg; and

WHEREAS, 56 teams from around the Commonwealth competed in the state soccer tournament at Virginia Beach; the Area 28 Special Olympians defeated four teams to achieve victory in the tournament; and

WHEREAS, the Area 28 Special Olympians overcame frigid temperatures to stay focused between games; and

WHEREAS, after the tournament, the Area 28 Special Olympians celebrated their win with a dance and an awards ceremony; and

WHEREAS, Tammy Wilkins, head coach of the Special Olympics Virginia Area 28 soccer team, expressed her pride and confidence in the team; and

WHEREAS, each player on the team—Krystal Sisson, Ryan Cammarata, Holly Smith, Storm Rasmussen, and Devon Noel—displayed exceptional talent and determination throughout the tournament; and

WHEREAS, with Northumberland High School students and coaches volunteering to help the team train at a high level, the community wholeheartedly supported the Area 28 Special Olympians; and

WHEREAS, the Area 28 Special Olympians will also compete in basketball and bowling; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Special Olympics Virginia Area 28 soccer team for winning the gold medal at the Special Olympics Virginia state soccertournament; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Special Olympics Virginia Area 28 soccer team as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the team’s skill and best wishes for the future.