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TO RECOGNIZE STEPHEN THOMPSON OF SIMPSONVILLE FOR HIS DEDICATION AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE FIELD OF KARATE AND THE MARTIAL ARTS AND TO EXTEND BEST WISHES TO HIM IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, Stephen "The Wonderboy" Thompson has been studying martial arts for seventeen years, and his skill and commitment to karate are unparalleled; and
Whereas, as the head instructor of the children's program at Upstate Karate in Simpsonville, Stephen dedicates his time to teaching karate and sharing the sport with others; and
Whereas, Stephen is the oldest son of Ray Thompson who is also Stephen's manager and trainer and is the owner of the martial arts school, Upstate Karate; and
Whereas, at the young age of twenty, Stephen holds black belt ranks in kempo karate, jujitsu, and kickboxing, and he has a fight record of thirty-two wins and zero losses with eighteen knock-outs; and
Whereas, he also holds a number of other titles including 2003 United States National Martial Arts Team World Cup Light Heavyweight Champion, 2003 KICK North American Cruiserweight Champion, and 2003 I.A.K.S.A. World Champion where he defeated opponents from Russia, Austria, and Germany; and
Whereas, Marital Arts Digest has featured him twice in its publication, and he has appeared on television on both Pay-Per-View and on IKF Kickboxing programs; and
Whereas, along with appearing with his father at the Peace Center for Performing Arts in the "Athletes Project" he also performed as one of the karate performers in a musical concert entitled "Remember the King, a Tribute to Elvis"; and
Whereas, Stephen also spends a large amount of time in school classrooms, volunteering to read to classes and emphasizing the importance of living a healthy lifestyle through a good diet with exercise and drug avoidance. He also volunteers at nursing homes where he shares his martial arts and acrobatic talents; and
Whereas, it is appropriate to commend and congratulate this outstanding young man who has shown exemplary talent in both martial arts and karate and his dedication and commitment to his community and volunteer work. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, recognize Stephen Thompson of Simpsonville for his dedication and the accomplishments in the field of Karate and the Martial Arts and extend best wishes to him in all his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Thompson.
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