Resolution 200059

..Title Honoring and recognizing the nationally ranked Blackhawks Athletic Club on the occasion of being named both 2019 Pop Warner Superbowl Champions and 2019 UYFL (United Youth Football League) Champions. ..Body WHEREAS, The Blackhawks Athletic Club was first established in 1968 as a youth basketball program for kids looking for sports as an alternative to neighborhood gang violence; and WHEREAS, Operating their home field at 11th Street & Cecil B. Moore Avenue for the past 30 years, The Blackhawks Athletic Club has been an enormously positive presence to the surrounding community; and WHEREAS, The Blackhawks serves over 300 young people each year, supporting both boys and girls ages 5 to 15 years old, and is supported by over 100 volunteers; made up of dedicated coaches, parents, and supporting members; and WHEREAS, The Blackhawks Athletic Club capitalizes on the organization's inherent philosophy of fun and equality through fundamental training and team building experiences by enhancing youth health, safety, and wellness through sports; and WHEREAS, The long-term goal of the Blackhawks Athletic Club is to inspire and equip each of their members to be positive and productive members of the community and citizens of the City of Philadelphia as they transition to adulthood; and WHEREAS, In 2009 the Blackhawks Athletic Club lost their Founding President Mr. Reginald Mtumishi, The following year The Blackhawks Athletic Club clenched its first Pop Warner National Championship in the Pee Wee Division in his honor; and WHEREAS, As of December 2019, The Blackhawks are proud to have won six local, five regional, and two national championships in football and three local championships in cheer; and WHEREAS, They begin 2020 celebrating their highest award to date; Blackhawks Pee Wee Football Team and their head coach Reggie Smith, winning the 2019 Pop Warner Superbowl Championship. Furthermore, the Blackhawks 13 Unlimited Elite team and Head Coach Keon Savoy won the 2019 UYFL (United Youth Football League) National Championship. This marks the first time in the history of the City that one organization garnered two national championships in one season; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby recognize the extraordinary achievements of The Blackhawks Athletic Club. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The Blackhawks Athletic Club. ..End