HR 56

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     House Resolution 56EX
     By: Representatives Adeyina of the 110th, Stephens of the 164th, Olaleye of the 59th,
     Cummings of the 39th, Beckles of the 96th, and others
                               A RESOLUTION
1 Recognizing and honoring the Democratic Republic of the Congo National Football Team
2 for qualifying for and competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup; and for other purposes.
3 WHEREAS, the people of the State of Georgia join football supporters throughout the world
4 in celebrating the remarkable achievement of the Democratic Republic of the Congo National
5 Football Team, known as Les Léopards (The Leopards), in qualifying for and competing in
6 the 2026 FIFA World Cup; and
7 WHEREAS, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has a proud football heritage and has
8 long been recognized as one of Africa's historic football powers, producing generations of
9 talented athletes who have excelled at the highest levels of international competition; and
10 WHEREAS, the qualification of the Democratic Republic of the Congo National Football
11 Team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a significant milestone for the nation and
12 reflects the dedication, perseverance, and determination of its players, coaches, and
13 supporters; and
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14 WHEREAS, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has achieved notable success in African
15 football, including victories in the Africa Cup of Nations and numerous accomplishments
16 that have inspired athletes throughout Africa and the global Congolese diaspora; and
17 WHEREAS, the Democratic Republic of the Congo National Football Team has
18 demonstrated resilience, discipline, teamwork, and excellence in earning the honor of
19 representing its nation on the world's greatest sporting stage; and
20 WHEREAS, under the leadership of its coaching staff and football federation officials, the
21 team has continued to build upon its rich football tradition while showcasing the talent, pride,
22 and competitive spirit of the Congolese people; and
23 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia values the growing friendship and cooperation between the
24 United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, relationships strengthened through
25 trade, education, cultural exchange, entrepreneurship, faith-based partnerships, and
26 community engagement; and Georgia is honored to serve as a host site for the 2026 FIFA
27 World Cup, including the Group K match between the Democratic Republic of the Congo
28 National Football Team and the Uzbekistan National Football Team to be played at the
29 Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. EDT;
30 and
31 WHEREAS, Georgia is home to members of the Congolese community whose contributions
32 in business, healthcare, education, public service, faith organizations, and civic leadership
33 enrich the cultural and economic vitality of communities throughout the state; and
34 WHEREAS, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's participation in the 2026 FIFA World
35 Cup, including its appearance in Atlanta against Uzbekistan at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on
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36 June 27, 2026, serves as a source of immense pride and inspiration for Congolese citizens
37 and Congolese-Americans residing in Georgia and throughout the United States; and
38 WHEREAS, the members of the Democratic Republic of the Congo National Football Team
39 have demonstrated exceptional athletic ability, dedication, professionalism, and commitment
40 in earning the opportunity to compete among the world's elite football nations; and
41 WHEREAS, the coaches, technical staff, medical personnel, and support team have provided
42 exemplary leadership and guidance in preparing the team for competition at the highest level
43 of international football; and
44 WHEREAS, these athletes and team representatives serve as ambassadors for the Democratic
45 Republic of the Congo and exemplify the values of excellence, perseverance, teamwork, and
46 national pride.
47 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
48 the members of this body recognize and honor the Democratic Republic of the Congo
49 National Football Team, its coaches, technical staff, and players for qualifying for and
50 competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and extend best wishes for continued success.
51 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
52 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
53 Democratic Republic of the Congo National Football Team.
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