Commending Dan Washington, Jr., Memorial Basketball Tournament upon the occasion of its annual competition on June 4, 2026

Senate Resolution No. 2207

BY: Senator PARKER

        COMMENDING   the  Dan  Washington,  Jr.,  Memorial
        Basketball  Tournament  upon  the  occasion  of  its
        annual competition on June 4, 2026

  WHEREAS,  It  is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those  events  and  occasions  whose  commitment  to  the
dignity, inclusion, and celebration of individuals with intellectual and
developmental  disabilities reflects the highest ideals of civic life in
the State of New York; and

  WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and  in  full  accord  with  its
long-standing  traditions,  this  Legislative  Body  is  justly proud to
commend the Dan Washington, Jr., Memorial Basketball Tournament upon the
occasion of its annual competition on Thursday, June 4, 2026; and

  WHEREAS, The Dan Washington, Jr., Memorial Basketball Tournament  is
named in loving honor of Dan Washington, Jr., a cherished participant in
programs   serving   individuals  with  intellectual  and  developmental
disabilities whose spirit, enthusiasm, and presence left a lasting  mark
on  all  who  knew  him;  in  naming this tournament in his memory, this
community affirms that the lives of those it serves are  not  incidental
to  its mission, but are the very heart of it, and that their joy, their
legacy, and their capacity for greatness are worthy of  celebration  and
remembrance; and

  WHEREAS,   The   Tournament   brings   together   participants  with
intellectual and developmental disabilities for  a  day  of  competitive
basketball,  cheerleading,  and  skills showcases, providing the men and
women who participate the opportunity to do what every athlete wants: to
compete, to be cheered, to feel the  thrill  of  the  game,  and  to  be
surrounded   by  a  community  that  believes  in  their  abilities  and
celebrates their achievements without reservation; and

  WHEREAS, Events, such as this tournament, embody a fundamental truth
that this Legislative Body affirms without hesitation: that inclusion is
not charity; that the participation of individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities in the full life of their communities is  not
a  gift  to  be bestowed but a right to be upheld; and that every person
deserves access to the joy, the  competition,  and  the  community  that
athletics can provide; and

  WHEREAS,  Dan Washington, Jr.'s memory lives on in every participant
who takes the court, every cheer that fills the gym, and every moment of
athletic joy that this tournament makes possible -  proof  that  a  life
well-lived  in  community  leaves a legacy that competition, fellowship,
and love can sustain long after one is gone; and

  WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proudly moved to honor the  memory
of Dan Washington, Jr., the participants of this tournament, and all who
make  this  annual  celebration of athletic excellence and human dignity
possible; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its  deliberations  to
commend  the Dan Washington, Jr., Memorial Basketball Tournament on June
4, 2026, and to extend congratulations  to  all  participants,  coaches,
volunteers, and supporters who make this tournament a celebration worthy
of Dan Washington, Jr.'s memory; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  copies  of  this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the organizers, participants, and supporters of  the  Dan
Washington,  Jr., Memorial Basketball Tournament in recognition of their
commitment to honoring his legacy through the power of sport, community,
and the full inclusion of every athlete who takes the court.