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REGULAR MEETING <br />t+ <br />a� <br />RESOLUTION NO. <br />JUNE 22, 2015 <br />U .1 �) / <br />w <br />A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, <br />RECOGNIZING AND PUBLICLY HONORING GRANDMASTER JERRY SPONSELLER FOR BEING INDUCTED <br />INTO THE USA MARTIAL ARTS HALL OF FAME AND FOR HAVING SUCH AN ENDURING AND VERY <br />POSITIVE IMPACT OF THOUSANDS OF YOUTH IN OUR COMMUNITY <br />CA" the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana recognizes that Grand Master <br />Jerry Sponseller has been teaching martial arts since 1978, averaging 34 classes a week for the past 45 <br />years; and <br />CA" the Common Council further recognizes that Grand Master Jerry Sponseller's school's <br />primary system is Taekwondo, and also features a variety of principles and techniques in other styles in <br />order to offer the most complete system of self- defense and overall knowledge of the martial arts; and <br />CA" Grand Master Sponseller is committed to "improving the lives of students by instilling <br />positive life- skills and regular philosophy lessons" with their goal being "to empower students to <br />become confident, maintain a healthy lifestyle, possess a good sense of self- esteem, and be successful in <br />all areas of their lives "; and <br />a his additional fitness classes include Muy thai, boxing, kickboxing and some modern <br />MMA techniques where discipline, responsibility, confidence and self- esteem are being built in all <br />participants; and <br />a just one of the many examples of the character and integrity of Grand Master Sponseller is <br />shown by the fund - raiser and benefit he is hosting for one of his employees who was tragically hit by a <br />drunk driver while jogging in order to help offset her medical expenses and assist in her recovery; and <br />CA" Grand Master Sponseller's passion for Martial Arts and his love of teaching youth is truly <br />inspirational, with many of his students participating in tournaments in Elkhart and North Webster. He <br />is also the author of a training manual and two books on philosophy for children. <br />/0" Offnd <br />�wz�ianz�c ab�o%�am6: <br />Section I. On behalf of all of the residents of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council is <br />especially honored and proud to recognize a very special person, Grand Master Jerry Sponseller, a /k /a <br />"the Blues Don" who has dedicated the last 45 years, teaching martial arts and dedicating his life to <br />instilling positive life skills and building confidence and self- esteem in countless youth. The Council <br />further thanks him for his active community involvement at the Logan Center, St. Margaret's House, and <br />the Family and Children's Center. <br />Section II. The Common Council congratulates Grand Master Jerry Sponseller for the high honor of being <br />inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and for his commitment to continue to inspire others by <br />continuing to teach while working toward his 9'h degree black belt. The Common Council wishes Jerry all <br />the best this November, when he plans to compete and bring back a World Medal from the World <br />Event in Mexico. <br />Section III. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Common <br />Council and approval by the Mayor. <br />Tim Scott, 1" District <br />Henry Davis, Jr., 2 "" District <br />Valerie Schey, 3'" District <br />Oliver J. Davis, 6 1 District <br />Derek D. Dieter, At Large <br />Gavin Ferlic, At Large <br />Dr. Fred Ferlic, 4 "' District Karen L. White, At Large <br />