Whereas according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, since 1980, obesity prevalence among children has almost tripled
and approximately 12,500,000, or 17 percent, of children and adolescents in the
United States are obese;
Whereas according to the American Academy of Pediatrics
study entitled The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child
Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds
—
(1)play is essential
to development because play contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and
emotional well-being of children and youth;
(2)play offers an
ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with children; and
(3)despite the
benefits derived from play for both children and parents, time for free play
has been significantly reduced for some children and youth in the United
States;
Whereas Worldwide Day of Play is the centerpiece of The
Big Help, the long-term commitment of Nickelodeon to empower children and
families by providing the tools and information children and families need to
take action on the issues children and families care about;
Whereas in each of the 50 States and in 13 countries,
including at United States military bases around the globe, children and
families celebrate Worldwide Day of Play;
Whereas on September 24, 2011, Nickelodeon will host the
8th annual Worldwide Day of Play;
Whereas in 2011, in collaboration with the Let's Move!
campaign started by First Lady Michelle Obama and the President’s Council on
Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, the Nickelodeon Worldwide Day of Play will be
held on the Ellipse in Washington, District of Columbia;
Whereas September 24, 2011, would be an appropriate date
to designate as Worldwide Day of Play: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate supports the designation of
September 24, 2011, as Worldwide Day of Play
.