2016 -- S 2158

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LC004110

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING AND CELEBRATING THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF RHODE ISLAND AND

COX RI UNIFIED ATHLETES OF THE YEAR, JORDAN VAZQUEZ AND MICHAEL

ROSSI, AND RECOGNIZING THEM, THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS, COACHES, AND

NUMEROUS CRANSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL OFFICIALS ON JANUARY 26, 2016, AT THE

RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE

     Introduced By: Senators Lombardi, Gallo, Miller, Paiva Weed, and Felag

     Date Introduced: January 26, 2016

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, The Unified Program brings together athletes with and without intellectual

disabilities to form a partnership and to train and compete together in athletics at their high

schools. This unique program enriches the lives of those without disabilities as much as it does

for those with a disability; and

     WHEREAS, Each year Special Olympics of Rhode Island and COX RI join together to

host a special awards celebration to honor these wonderful athletes. In 2015, Jordan Vazquez and

Michael Rossi of Cranston High School West were honored as the Unified Athletes of the Year.

Jordan has autism and has grown from having no interest in extracurricular activities as a

freshman to an outgoing and popular student who regularly makes morning announcements, has

given a speech to a packed gymnasium, and excels at both volleyball and basketball. Michael

became interested in Unified Sports while watching the Unified athletes practice as he waited for

varsity practice to begin. He began by helping them run drills and has gone on to become the

Unified Basketball Manager and has forged a great friendship with Jordan; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby honors Jordan Vazquez and Michael Rossi for winning the 2015 Unified Athlete of the

Year Award and wishing them continued success in the future. We also recognize the many

people who have contributed so much towards the success of this program and the achievements

of Jordan Vazquez and Michael Rossi including Jordan's parents, Lisa and Jose Vazquez, Jordan's

sister, Emily Vazquez, Jordan's Grandmother, Maryann King, Jordan's Aunt, Sandra Cabral,

Michael's parents, Anne Marie and Michael Rossi, Dennis DeJesus, CEO Special Olympics

Rhode Island, Chris Hopkins, Special Olympics of Rhode Island Director of Programs, Jeannine

Nota Masse, Superintendent of Cranston Schools, Michelle Simpson, Cranston Schools Executive

Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Sandi Matoian Heard, Cranston Schools Special Education

Administrator, Tom Barbieri, Cranston High School West Principal, David Schiappa, Cranston

High School West Assistant Principal for Special & Related Services, Matt Reis, Cranston High

School West Unified Coach, Julie Bannon, Cranston High School West Unified Coach, and Kelly

Starliper Morris, Cranston Schools Project SEARCH Special Education Teacher; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Jordan Vazquez, Michael Rossi, and Tom

Barbieri, Cranston High School West Principal.

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