Whereas, Athletes and their teams have been training and competing on the local level since early August to qualify for the State Finals; and,

Whereas, Special Olympics Michigan provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with physical and mental handicaps; and,

Whereas, Soccer team competition will feature eleven-a-side soccer teams and five-a-side teams along with competition in individual soccer skills; and,

Whereas, In 2002, a total of 84 soccer teams competed at the State Soccer Finals setting a new record for that event; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 17-18, 2003, as Special Olympics Weekend in Michigan and I commend the efforts of all the sponsors, volunteers, and the outstanding athletes for their commitment to the Special Olympics.