LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Paul Williams upon the occasion of
his induction into the United States Handball Association's Hall of Fame

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the great
State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good works
of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate their
lives and careers to the service of others; and
WHEREAS, Athletic competition enhances the moral and physical develop-
ment of the young people of this State, preparing them for the future by
instilling in them the value of teamwork, encouraging a standard of
healthy living, imparting a desire for success and developing a sense of
fair play and competition; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Paul
Williams upon the occasion of his induction into the United States Hand-
ball Association's Hall of Fame to be celebrated at a ceremony on Satur-
day, July 12, 2014; and
WHEREAS, Paul Williams is one of the greatest contributors to the
sport of handball in its entire history; his achievements both on and
off the court are an inspiration to all; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his long and illustrious athletic career, Paul
Williams has been the winner of numerous awards in both national and
international competition, including three National Doubles Titles and a
World Masters Singles Title, among numerous other honors; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man is the founder and president of the Inner
City Handball Association (ICHA); for 17 years, this non-profit, volun-
teer youth organization has been dedicated to providing inexpensive
handball related athletic activities and promoting academic excellence
to teens throughout New York City; and
WHEREAS, Born in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, Paul Williams knows
first-hand the difficulties youths face growing up in the inner-city; he
is committed to the success of the young people under his care, promot-
ing handball as a fun way to relieve stress as well as a deterrent to
violence; and
WHEREAS, Paul Williams has been exemplary in his role as ambassador
for the game of handball; he has traveled to such places as England,
Ireland, Australia, and Nigeria, spreading his love for the sport to new
places and forging new friendships wherever he goes; these cultural
exchanges helped to build the foundation for the first One-Wall World
Handball Championship held in Canada, in August of 1997; and
WHEREAS, A recipient of the Kendler Award for his outstanding, unself-
ish service to the game of handball, Paul Williams continues to impart
his skills and experience to the next generation of players; his great
deeds and work helping young people reach their potential are fully
deserving of recognition by all citizens of the great State of New York;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Paul Williams upon the occasion of his induction into the
United States Handball Association's Hall of Fame; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Paul Williams.