Allegheny County

Council

Proclamation

WHEREAS, the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League Martial Arts Division has founded a new, non-profit program, Kumite International, geared towards helping youth in Western Pennsylvania through martial arts; and

WHEREAS, Kumite International was created through a partnership with the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League and the Eckert Seamans Law Firm, is dedicated to the growth, advancement, and recognition of youth martial arts through financial aid and educational scholarships, and is the only scholarship-based karate organization in the Untied States; and 

WHEREAS, Kumite International offers free training, coaching, and travel opportunities for youth, offering a positive outlet for potential champions in a safe environment where youth can build relationships with the community and abroad through cultural, recreational, educational, and social activities that encourage building positive character traits; and

WHEREAS, Director Bill Viola and the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League, Martial Arts Division, will celebrate Martial Arts Days on May 7th and 8th, 2004 at the Kumite Classic National Championships which will be held at the Monroeville ExpoMart, through their participation in a special ceremony to award college scholarships to local champions to be used to further their college education; and

WHEREAS, one of the nation’s premier martial arts championships, “The Kumite Classic,” and the Kumite International program strive to instill physical fitness, good sportsmanship, and high moral standards through martial arts within a safe, non-partisan, and professional atmosphere; a standard to which we can all aspire; and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Allegheny County Council hereby proclaims May 7th and 8th as “Martial Arts Days” in Allegheny County and recognizes, applauds, and commends the tremendous work being performed by Kumite International and the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League with the youth of this region.

Sponsored by Council Member Charles Martoni this 16th day of March, 2004

Attest:

_______________________    _______________________

President of CouncilClerk of Council

Rich FitzgeraldJohn Mascio