Title: H667 [Edition 2]
Category: Introduced Bill 2003

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA	SESSION 2003

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2003
H	2
HOUSE RESOLUTION 667
Committee Substitute Favorable 3/27/03

Sponsors: |
Referred to: |
March 26, 2003

A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring the memory of jim thorpe.
Whereas, Jim Thorpe, born in Oklahoma Indian Territory in 1887, has been described by many as the greatest athlete of the 20^th century; and
Whereas, Jim Thorpe competed in the 1912 Olympics, where he was the first and only competitor to win both the pentathlon and decathlon events; and
Whereas, during that same year, Jim Thorpe made 25 touchdowns and scored 198 points to lead the football team at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania to the national collegiate championship; and
Whereas, a few months later, Jim Thorpe was declared a professional athlete because he had played baseball during the summers of 1909 and 1910 in North Carolina and had to relinquish his cherished Olympic medals; and
Whereas, in 1913, Jim Thorpe began a career in professional baseball and football, playing six seasons for the New York Giants while simultaneously playing for the Canton, Ohio Bulldogs football team, which he led to several world championships; and
Whereas, in 1929, Jim Thorpe retired from professional athletic competition but, years later, at the age of 57 volunteered for and served in the Merchant Marines during World War II; and
Whereas, Jim Thorpe died on March 28, 1953, leaving a legacy of athletic achievement; and
Whereas, in 1982, after decades of national and international campaigns on his behalf, Olympic officials conceded that Jim Thorpe's amateur status had not been violated prior to the 1912 Olympics and in 1983 awarded new Olympic medals to his family; and
Whereas, as we approach the 50^th anniversary of Jim Thorpe's death, it is fitting to pay tribute to his life and accomplishments; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives wishes to honor the memory of Jim Thorpe, a great American who is worthy of respect and admiration for his commitment to fair play, patriotism, and athletic excellence.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives encourages the citizens of this State to join them in celebrating the 50^th anniversary of Jim Thorpe's death on March 28, 2003.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.

Page 		House Resolution 667-Second Edition

House Resolution 667-Second Edition		Page