Senator John A. DeFrancisco (R-I-C, Syracuse) today recognized Lopez Lomong, a Central New York athlete who carried the United States Flag during the Opening Ceremony at the 2008 Summer Olympics. The Senate adopted a resolution, co-sponsored by Senator DeFrancisco, to recognize Lomong for his accomplishment.

"We are very fortunate to have such a phenomenal athlete living in Central New York," said Senator DeFrancisco. "Our community enjoyed following his races and cheering him on during the Olympic Games. We were especially proud that he had the opportunity to carry our country’s flag during the Opening Ceremony. Lomong has worked extremely hard to get to where he is today and he should be honored for that."

Lomong, who is one of the "Lost Boys" of Sudan and a former Tully High School track and cross-country star, made it to the semi-finals but did not qualify for the finals at the Olympics.