Resolution 200722

..Title Recognizing and honoring the West Philly Panthers for their success in competing in the 2020 American Youth Football National Championship in Kissimmee, Florida. ..Body WHEREAS, The West Philly Panthers are a little league football and cheer organization in the 4th Councilmanic District of Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, For over 29 years, the West Philly Panthers organization has provided West Philly youth with the opportunity to see beyond their neighborhoods, while also providing the community with ongoing sports entertainment; and WHEREAS, Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many youth sports teams in Philadelphia had to delay, or even cancel, their football seasons. After many parents and community members inquired about a 2020 football season, the West Philly Panthers recognized their impact on the community and youth, and were determined to play safely during the pandemic, by implementing enhanced safety measures, following CDC guidelines, and playing only "Away" games in counties that allowed youth sports to continue; and WHEREAS, The West Philly Panthers fielded five teams this year with four winning city and state championships, which earned the team a spot in the 2020 American Youth Football (AYF) National Championship in Kissimmee, Florida. This was the West Philly Panthers' second opportunity to compete in the AYF National Championship in Florida, as they previously competed in the tournament in 2019; and WHEREAS, Although 2020 has been a challenging experience for the world, it did not stop the West Philly Panthers from bringing their football skills to the field. Most importantly, after four months of practice, meetings and games with over 150 children and parents, there were no COVID-19 infections; and WHEREAS, Competing in the 2020 AYF National Championships was a great accomplishment for all of the kids, parents and volunteers that made major sacrifices to enable a season during these unprecedented times; now, therefore be it, RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors the West Philly Panthers for their success in competing in the 2020 American Youth Football National Championship in Kissimmee, Florida. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the West Philly Panthers as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. ..End