HJR143INTRODUCED Page 0 HJR143 I3VP9WZ-1 By Representative Shaver RFD: Rules First Read: 18-Mar-25 1 2 3 4 5 I3VP9WZ-1 03/13/2025 LMG (L)LMG 2025-1251 Page 1 First Read: 18-Mar-25 HJR___ COMMENDING THE WINNERS OF THE 2024 GREAT ALABAMA 650 RACE AND THE ALABAMA SCENIC RIVER TRAIL'S EFFORTS IN STATE PROMOTION. WHEREAS, the Alabama Scenic River Trail was established in 2008 and subsequently designated as a National Recreational Trail by the United States Secretary of the Interior in 2009, and as a National Water Trail in 2012; and WHEREAS, the Alabama Scenic River Trail initially extended for 630 miles, then 650 miles, and has since expanded the organization's oversight and advocacy efforts to encompass more than 6,000 miles of Alabama's rivers, lakes, streams, and creeks; and WHEREAS, in 2024, the Alabama Scenic River Trail, as the State of Alabama's official paddling resource, partnered with more than 70 canoe and kayak rental shops and outfitters and community organizations, to promote Alabama's exceptional natural resources and contribute to the vitality of the state's outdoor tourism economy; and WHEREAS, the Alabama Scenic River Trail continues to foster and expand opportunities for paddling and other freshwater recreational experiences throughout Alabama, including the execution of community-based programming and the installation of safety signage with a goal of making 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 HJR143 INTRODUCED Page 2 the installation of safety signage with a goal of making Alabama's waterways the safest and most enjoyable in the nation; and WHEREAS, the Great Alabama 650 was successfully held for the sixth consecutive year in 2024, drawing international recognition, participation, and enthusiasm for the unparalleled paddling experiences available in the State of Alabama; and WHEREAS, the winners of the 2024 Great Alabama 650 displayed exceptional endurance, determination, and skill, with Overall and Male Solo Winner Trey Reaves of Florence, Alabama, completing the race in 7 days, 3 hours, and 20 minutes; Female Solo Winner Ryan Gillikin of Bay Minette, Alabama, completing the race in 8 days, 18 hours, and 37 minutes; and Tandem Team Winners Jessica Nance of Overland Park, Kansas, and Candi Hill of Shawnee, Kansas, finishing in 8 days, 22 hours, and 35 minutes; and WHEREAS, this body recognizes the perseverance, dedication, and extraordinary mental and physical fortitude demonstrated by all participants and acknowledges the Great Alabama 650 and the Alabama Scenic River Trail's significant role in advancing and promoting freshwater recreation in the State of Alabama; now therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, BOTH HOUSES THEREOF CONCURRING, That the division winners of the 2024 Great Alabama 650 are hereby highly commended for their remarkable achievements, and that copies of this resolution be provided to the Alabama Scenic River Trail headquarters 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 HJR143 INTRODUCED Page 3 be provided to the Alabama Scenic River Trail headquarters and each of the division winners as a token of this body's admiration and recognition. 56 57