LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Paul Schaus of North Tonawanda,
New York, and the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team upon the occasion of
capturing a Gold Medal at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi,
Russia

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 Paul Schaus of North Tonawanda, New York, and the U.S. Paralympic
Sled Hockey Team upon the occasion of capturing a Gold Medal at the 2014
Paralympic Winter Games in Shayba Arena, Sochi, Russia, by defeating
Russia by a score of 1-0; and
WHEREAS, With the victory, Team USA, made up of many military veter-
ans, becomes the first team to win back-to-back gold medals in the Para-
lympics; this gold medal is the third for the United States since 2002;
and
WHEREAS, The athletic talent displayed by this team is due in great
part to the efforts of Head Coach Jeff Sauer, a legendary college hockey
coach, respected for his ability to develop potential into excellence;
and
WHEREAS, Paul Schaus, who lost both legs in Afghanistan in 2009 by an
IED, has been a member of the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team since
2012; and
WHEREAS, In January 2014, 26 year-old Paul Schaus helped Team USA win
two out of three games against Canada in Indian Trail, North Carolina;
and
WHEREAS, Paul Schaus also contributed to Team USA's second-place
finish at the December 2013 World Sledge Hockey Challenge in Toronto,
Ontario; and
WHEREAS, A leader both on and off the ice, Paul Schaus faces his chal-
lenges head on; he is the epitome of work ethic and commitment; and
WHEREAS, A role model for all, Paul Schaus is a talented, dedicated
athlete who has brought honor to his community, and his family, coaches,
and friends who have encouraged his progress and commended his hard
work; and
WHEREAS, A gifted athlete, Paul Schaus' 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, Paul Schaus 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 Paul Schaus of North Tonawanda, New York, and the U.S.
Paralympic Sled Hockey Team upon the occasion of capturing a Gold Medal
at the 2014 Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Paul Schaus and Coach Jeff Sauer.