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WHEREAS, Scott Bilyeu, Jerry Bremer, Van Brinson, Stuart Constant, Joshua Davis, Marc Esposito, Eric Frazier, Christopher Frost, Andrew Hartzell, Chad Jukes, Bob Mangus, Nicholette Maroulis, Rory McCarthy, David Moulton, Coree Pelko, Brian Petras, Clayton Rankin and Kevin Sullivan participated in the "Sea to Shining Sea" Bicycle Ride, sponsored by State Farm Insurance; and
WHEREAS, these incredible athletes started their bicycle ride in San Francisco May 22, 2010 and ended July 24, 2010 covering over 4,000 miles crossing the U.S. in 63 days, ending the ride in Virginia Beach, Virginia; and
WHEREAS, the group came through Pittsburgh, Wednesday, July 13, 2010 and was honored at the Great Lawn near Heinz Field by many local political leaders, former Pittsburgh Steeler players, military veterans and members of State Farm Insurance Company; and
WHEREAS, all the bicycle riders in the "Sea to Shining Sea" are disabled and all veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars; and
WHEREAS, the goal of this ride is to honor our brave men and women in military service who put their lives on the line daily and to recognize the American Spirit while challenging perceptions of disabled athletes; and
WHEREAS, the ride was lead by World T.E.A.M. (The Exceptional Athlete Matters) Sports, a nonprofit, which brings athletes together creating emotionally moving events through the power of sports, where athletes accomplish more than they thought possible. World T.E.A.M. Sports feels athleticism will change the world's perceptions of athletes; and
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Pittsburgh does here by extend its thanks for the extraordinary accomplishments of Scott Bilyeu, Jerry Bremer, Van Brinson, Stuart Constant, Joshua Davis, Marc Esposito, Eric Frazier, Christopher Frost, Andrew Hartzell, Chad Jukes, Bob Mangus, Nicholette Maroulis, Rory McCarthy, David Moulton, Coree Pelko, Brian Petras, Clayton Rankin and Kevin Sullivan who pushed themselves to their limits traveling, by bicycle, 60 to 100 miles per day, who kept us safe through their military experience, who are changing the perceptions of athletes, the disabled and the disabled athlete and, who, through this ride, honor those still in the U.S. Military surviving incredible odds everyday.