SR757: SR757 Holcombe, Scott; honor

26 LC 129 1059 Senate Resolution 757 By: Senators Bearden of the 30th, Brass of the 6th and Anavitarte of the 31st A RESOLUTION Honoring Scott Holcombe as the 2026 Special Olympics Athlete of t h e Y e a r a n d1 commending his extraordinary 55-year dedication to Special Olym pics Georgia; and for2 other purposes.3 WHEREAS, Scott Holcombe has exemplified the spirit of persevera nce, sportsmanship,4 leadership, and joy through his lifelong participation in Special Olympics, earning him the5 distinguished honor of being named the 2026 Special Olympics Athlete of the Year; and 6 WHEREAS, Scott began his remarkable journey with Special Olympi cs in 1971, just one7 year after the program was established in Georgia, demonstratin g an unwavering8 commitment that has spanned more than five and a half decades; and9 WHEREAS, over the course of 55 years, Scott has actively compet ed and excelled in an10 impressive array of sports, including basketball, track and field, swimming, bowling, golf,11 equestrian, volleyball, softball, and bocce, showcasing his ver satility, athletic talent, and12 relentless competitive drive; and13 WHEREAS, in 1971, Scott was among a select group of five athletes from Carrollton Parks14 and Recreation who had the privilege of attending a special event featuring Ethel Kennedy15 S. R. 757 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1059 and Rosalynn Carter as honored guests, marking an early milesto ne in Georgia's Special16 Olympics history and highlighting Scott's place in the program's foundational years; and17 WHEREAS, Scott Holcombe is renowned among his peers and coaches for his highly18 competitive nature, natural leadership qualities, and infectious enthusiasm—he consistently19 brings positivity, good sportsmanship, and a genuine sense of fun to every event and practice;20 and21 WHEREAS, Scott takes great pride in his extensive collection of trophies, ribbons, medals,22 and other accolades earned through hard work and determination, serving as tangible23 symbols of his achievements and inspiring countless others in t he Special Olympics24 community; and25 WHEREAS, Scott's enduring participation embodies the core value s of Special26 Olympics—courage, dignity, respect, and empowerment—and has pos itively impacted27 fellow athletes, families, volunteers, and communities across Georgia for generations; and28 WHEREAS, such extraordinary dedication and accomplishment deserve formal recognition29 from the State of Georgia and its Senate.30 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body31 congratulate Scott Holcombe on being named the 2026 Special Olympics Athlete of the Year32 and extend their deepest appreciation for his 55 years of outstanding service, leadership, and33 inspiration through Special Olympics Georgia.34 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed35 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Scott Holcombe.36 S. R. 757 - 2 -