2026 SPECIAL SESSION I

INTRODUCED

26200022D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2063

Offered April 23, 2026

Prefiled April 23, 2026

Commending the Bobcat Sports League.

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Patrons—Schmidt, Carr and Cousins

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WHEREAS, the Bobcat Sports League, a volunteer-driven organization in Richmond that promotes healthy lifestyles by providing opportunities for children in underserved communities to learn the value of teamwork and develop leadership skills by participating in youth soccer, celebrates its 20th season in 2026; and

WHEREAS, the Bobcat Sports League was established in 2007 by Robyn Parsons and William Fleming to create a safe, supportive recreational program for young people in Southside Richmond; what began as a small program with nine participants has grown into a comprehensive initiative supporting students at Thomas C. Boushall Middle School, Lucille M. Brown Middle School, Elizabeth D. Redd Elementary School, Southampton Elementary School, Westover Hills Elementary School, and the Patrick Henry School of Sciences and Arts; and

WHEREAS, over the course of its history, the Bobcat Sports League has served more than 6,400 young people and currently supports 15 active teams with 476 participants between the ages of four and 14, making it the second-largest recreational soccer league in the area; the league has worked diligently to ensure that children can participate regardless of their family's ability to pay through generous donations and community fundraisers; and

WHEREAS, in addition to learning the fundamentals of soccer, young people in the Bobcat Sports League receive tutoring and education on nutrition, life skills for professional development, and anti-smoking, anti-gang, and anti-violence awareness; and

WHEREAS, participants in the Bobcat Sports League have demonstrated higher average scores on Standards of Learning tests, and their experiences in the league have helped them to develop physically, socially, and emotionally; and

WHEREAS, the Bobcat Sports League has fulfilled its mission through the hard work and dedication of its staff members, coaches, and volunteers, as well as the vital support of family members and community partners; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Bobcat Sports League hereby be commended for its legacy of service to young people in Richmond on the occasion of its 20th season; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Bobcat Sports League as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the league's enduring contributions to the Richmond community.