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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE ATHLETIC OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, the Athletic Officials Association (AOA), the oldest referee training organization in Illinois, celebrates its 100-year anniversary in 2017; and
WHEREAS, in 1917, the AOA was established as a not-for-profit member association with the Illinois High School Association and became the first officials association in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the AOA now serves more than 400 officials from all over northeastern Illinois with divisions in football, basketball, baseball, and softball; and
WHEREAS, these divisions and the executive board are governed by an all-volunteer staff made up of IHSA officials and umpires trying to further the profession of officiating in the sports they love and serve; and
WHEREAS the AOA helps advance the careers of the officials by providing a wealth of professional training and by promoting sportsmanship between officials, players, coaches, and fans; and
WHEREAS, the AOA recognizes individuals for their contributions to the continuing education of sports officials annually with the Abe Glick award and inductions into the AOA Hall of Fame.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby declare May 20, 2017, "AOA Day" in Cook County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners recognizes the Athletic Officials Association of America and all of its members for their continued support and dedication in their respective sports and in honor of the 100th anniversary; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Athletic Officials Association of America as an expression of our appreciation for its continued support and dedication to the success of high school sports in the state of Illinois.
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