LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Paralympian Augusto Perez of Syracuse,
New York, upon the occasion of his selection as a member of Team USA in
the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to extend its full
recognition and grateful tribute to the athletes of New York State who
have dedicated their purposeful lives to athletic achievement and proud-
ly represented their great State and Nation in Paralympic competition;
and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Paralympian Augusto Perez of Syracuse, New York, upon the occasion
of his selection as a member of Team USA in the Sochi 2014 Paralympic
Winter Games; he will be competing in the Nordic skiing event; and
WHEREAS, Augusto "Goose" Perez is one of the United States' most
versatile Paralympic athletes, with impressive victories in wheelchair
curling, Nordic skiing, and biathlon competition; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Syracuse, New York, Augusto Perez was born in
Madrid, Spain, and came to the United States in 1991 to play soccer for
his senior year of high school; he stayed when he was offered a scholar-
ship from Paul Smith's College in Brighton, New York, ultimately receiv-
ing his bachelor's degree in Spanish, with a minor in education, from Le
Moyne College, Syracuse, New York; and
WHEREAS, Augusto Perez began his Paralympic career in wheelchair curl-
ing, having competed at both the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games,
and the Vancouver 2010 Games, where Team USA earned fourth; in 2008, he
became the first wheelchair athlete to be named USA Curling Male Athlete
of the Year; and
WHEREAS, Augusto Perez started Nordic skiing in 2011, and, at the 2014
U.S. Paralympics Nordic Skiing National Championships, he took 6th place
in the 10-kilometer and 15-kilometer events, and 7th place in the 7.5
kilometer biathlon; and
WHEREAS, Always up for a new challenge, Augusto Perez has also
competed in para-canoe and kayak, both of which will make their Paralym-
pic Games debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games; and
WHEREAS, This intrepid competitor has had three bouts with a rare form
of cancer, which have resulted in a hip disarticulation and amputation
of his left leg; and
WHEREAS, When he is not competing, Augusto Perez enjoys target shoot-
ing, soccer, table tennis, tennis, canoeing and sailing; and
WHEREAS, Genuinely concerned for the welfare of others, this communi-
ty-minded athlete volunteers as a Spanish tutor for high school and
middle school students, is involved in cancer fundraisers, and works
with youth with physical and developmental disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Augusto Perez and his wife, Brenda, are the proud parents of
twins, daughter Ainoa and son Iker; and
WHEREAS, A role model for all, Augusto Perez is a talented, dedicated
athlete who has brought honor to his family, his coaches, and his commu-
nity of friends who have encouraged his progress and commended his hard
work; and
WHEREAS, A gifted athlete, Augusto Perez's character and his many
achievements stand as example and inspiration to all who would aspire to
extraordinary success; and
WHEREAS, Many will only dream of competing on the world stage; through
his hard work and tenacious spirit, Augusto Perez has not only made his
dream a reality, he has also given just cause for his family, community
and State to be proud of his achievements; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Paralympian Augusto Perez of Syracuse, New York, upon the
occasion of his selection as a member of Team USA in the Sochi 2014
Paralympic Winter Games; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Augusto Perez.