Whereas, Portland applauds a rich and exciting soccer culture that attracts people from all walks of life in promoting an exciting environment for all participants; and

Whereas, Portlanders everywhere rejoice in the success that our youth and student-athletes are achieving in their lives; and

Whereas, Portland encourages our Youth and student-athletes to thrive and strive for success; and

Whereas, The City of Portland delights in the commitment to school, sport, and community that the student-athletes at Lincoln, Grant and Portland Christian exemplify so well; and

Whereas, Coach Michelle Scifo of Lincoln, Coach Manolis Tjuanakis of Grant and Coach Aaron Lewis of Portland Christian have all succeeded in using soccer to instill strong and positive life experiences for the kids of our community; and

Whereas, the Lincoln girls’, Grant boys’ and the Portland Christian boys’ soccer teams won the 2008 State High School Championships and have successfully fostered a program dedicated to excellence for many student-athletes to come; and

Now, therefore, I, Tom Potter, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby declare November 19, 2008 to be

A Day of Appreciation for the Lincoln High School Girls’, the Grant High School Boys’ and Portland Christian Boys’ Soccer teams in Portland, and encourage all citizens to observe this day.