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2008 SESSION

088983544
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 278
Offered January 24, 2008
Commending Grace Anne Braxton.
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Patrons-- Howell, W.J., Cole and Orrock; Senators: Houck and Stuart
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WHEREAS, Grace Anne Braxton of Fredericksburg is recognized for her dedication to the Special Olympics and the sport of golf and her exemplary performance in Shanghai, China, in the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games; and

WHEREAS, an excellent golfer and true sportswoman, Grace Anne Braxton won a gold medal in the championship flight in women’s golf at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in China, which was held October 2-11, 2007, and attended by 7,500 athletes from 160 countries around the world; and

WHEREAS, with discipline and determination, Grace Anne Braxton first began playing golf with her father before it was named an official event of the Special Olympics; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Grace Anne Braxton advanced from playing nine-hole alternate shot, to 18-hole alternate shot, to 18-hole individual play, and under the Virginia State Golf Association and United States Golf Association handicap system, she carries a VSGA/USGA handicap index of 20.1, which has been as low as 17 over the past two years; and

WHEREAS, Grace Anne Braxton’s first exposure to a Special Olympics golf competition was when she entered an event at the Army Navy Country Club in Northern Virginia in the 1990s; and

WHEREAS, a leader in Special Olympics golf, Grace Anne Braxton was named the 1992 Special Olympics Virginia Athlete of the Year, won a gold medal in the 2005 Special Olympics National Golf Championship held in Ames, Iowa, and has served on the board of Special Olympics Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Grace Anne Braxton graced the cover of Virginia Golfer magazine’s September/October 2007 issue and was celebrated as “A Truly Special Olympian” and the top female Special Olympics golfer in the world; and

WHEREAS, a shining ambassador for the United States, the Commonwealth, and her hometown of Fredericksburg, Grace Anne Braxton exudes confidence and with her infectious smile, serves as a wonderful mentor and role model for her fellow athletes; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate Grace Anne Braxton on her outstanding Special Olympics golfing career and her inspirational performance in Shanghai, China, in the 2007 Special Olympics Summer Games; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Grace Anne Braxton as an expression of the General Assembly’s appreciation for her commitment to the Special Olympics, her fellow athletes, and the sport of golf.