As Adopted by the Senate

136th General Assembly

Regular Session S. R. No. 287

2025-2026

Senators Antonio, Smith

A R E S O L U T I O N

Honoring Laila Edwards as a 2026 Olympic gold medalist.

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio are pleased to pay tribute to Laila Edwards on winning a gold medal at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games as a member of the Team USA women’s ice hockey team; and

WHEREAS, A diligent and capable individual, Laila Edwards is deserving of recognition for her outstanding accomplishments as a member of the Team USA women’s ice hockey team. An exceptional athlete, she helped her teammates throughout the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games, where they defeated Team Canada by the score of 2-1 in overtime to win the gold medal, and her notable record of personal achievement stands as a hallmark for others; and

WHEREAS, Holding the special distinction of being the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal with the Team USA women’s ice hockey team, Laila Edwards has learned important lessons of discipline, perseverance, hard work, and good sportsmanship that will undoubtedly be of great benefit to her throughout her life. Through her outstanding efforts, she has inspired countless people to excel in various areas of endeavor, and she has set an example worthy of emulation; and

WHEREAS, In a society that seeks to teach the future leaders of our state and nation the fundamentals of self-reliance and the rewards of individual and group effort, athletic competition has become a valuable educational tool. With sports contributing to the development of role models for our youth, we are happy to commend such a fine athlete as Laila Edwards; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That we, the members of the Senate of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio, in adopting this Resolution, congratulate Laila Edwards on her Olympic gold medal and extend best wishes for continued success; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit a duly authenticated copy of this Resolution to Laila Edwards.