Senator Patterson offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 149.

            A resolution proclaiming June 15, 2006, as Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto Day in Michigan.

            Whereas, It is a great honor and privilege to salute Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto. Tanith and Ben won the silver medal for ice dancing in the 2006 Olympic Games in Torino, Italy--the first ice dancing medal the United States has won since 1976. It is our honor that these great athletes have selected the Arctic Edge in Canton, Michigan, for their training; and

            Whereas, During their journey to becoming Olympic medalists, Tanith and Ben put in many hours of practice and endured many obstacles, such as Tanith’s United States citizenship eligibility status. This was corrected with the help of U.S. Senator Carl Levin and U.S. Congressman Thaddeus McCotter, who, with an act of Congress signed on December 30, 2005, made it possible for them to skate for the United States; and

            Whereas, Tanith and Ben are no strangers to success. Tanith and Ben have competed in 41 events since beginning their training and placed 5th or better in 37 of them. In addition, they have brought home such victories as three Junior Grand Prix titles, two World Junior championships, the Cup of China, the Nehellhorn Trophy, three championships from the Smart Ones Skate America, three State Farm U.S. championships, and three Four Continent championships. Most recently, they brought home the bronze medal from the 2006 World Championships; and

            Whereas, Not only are they superior athletes, Tanith and Ben are excellent humanitarians. When the devastating tsunami hit Southeast Asia, they sponsored a fundraiser--the "Skate-Aid"--which raised nearly $35,000 for the American Red Cross to assist with their efforts in tsunami relief; and

            Whereas, In March 2006, Tanith and Ben taught 350 children the fundamentals of skating as part of the first-ever Marshall’s Skate Fest. The basic skills program allowed children to discover the joys of skating. Tanith and Ben’s dedication to the future skaters of our country speaks volumes about their commitment to this sport; and

            Whereas, While the entrance street into Canton’s Arctic Edge is now rightfully named "Ben and Tanith Drive," we would also like to express our gratitude; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby proclaim June 15, 2006, as Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto Day in Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Ms. Belbin and Mr. Agosto in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments.