[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 20 (Tuesday, March 1, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 1, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       NATIONAL SPORTSMANSHIP DAY

 Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, today is National Sportsmanship 
Day. Thousands of students, teachers, and athletes from around the 
world will participate in this exciting day of activities to recognize 
the importance of good sportsmanship--both on the athletic field and in 
the classroom.
  The Institute for International Sport, located at the University of 
Rhode Island, created National Sportsmanship Day 3 years ago to foster 
a greater public awareness of ethics and fair play in both athletics 
and in our society at large. Since 1991, more than 7,000 schools from 
across the country have participated in, and benefited from, National 
Sportsmanship Day. The institute is expecting participation from over 
4,000 public and private schools in all 50 States. In addition, the 
institute also welcomes 55 international schools from 35 different 
nations--National Sportsmanship Day is now truly a worldwide event.
  The Student-Athlete Outreach Program is an especially appealing 
component of National Sportsmanship Day. Through this program high 
schools and colleges send talented student-athletes to local elementary 
schools to promote good sportsmanship and serve as role models. These 
students help young people build self-esteem, respect for good health, 
and the value of teamwork.
  Another part of National Sportsmanship Day is the selection, by the 
Institute for International Sport, of a diverse group of 16 individuals 
to serve as sports ethics fellows. This year's fellows include two 
prominent Rhode Islanders: Linda Hackett, the athletic director at 
Bryant College in Smithfield, RI; and Robert Weygand, the Lieutenant 
Governor of Rhode Island. Both have demonstrated good sportsmanship 
throughout their lives.
  The Institute for International Sport earned its reputation for 
excellence in 1993 when it sponsored the first annual World Scholar 
Athlete Games, in Newport, RI. This international celebration of sport, 
culture, and education brought more than 1,600 participants from 108 
countries together to promote international understanding and cross 
cultural exchange.
  Mr. President, let me close by congratulating all the participants in 
National Sportsmanship Day, from the youngest students to those 
involved in the outreach program, the fellows, and the dedicated staff 
at the Institute for International Sport. All of us in Rhode Island are 
proud that National Sportsmanship Day is such a grand success.
  I thank the Chair, and ask that a letter from the President's Council 
on Physical Fitness and Sport endorsing National Sportsmanship Day be 
made part of the Record.
  The letter follows:

                                        The President's Council on


                                  Physical Fitness and Sports,

                                  Washington DC, January 31, 1994.
     Daniel E. Doyle, Jr.,
     Executive Director, Institute for International Sport, The 
         University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI.
       Dear Mr. Doyle: The President's Council on Physical Fitness 
     and Sports recognizes March 1, 1994, as National 
     Sportsmanship Day. It is an important moment for all of us, 
     not just youth, to reflect on the role sports play in our 
     lives and the lessons such participation teaches us.
       Observance of National Sportsmanship Day is an opportunity 
     to recognize contributions that sports make to all aspects of 
     our lives. Sports should teach us honesty, integrity and 
     humility as well as develop a sense of fair play and 
     excellence.
       The Institute for International Sports is to be 
     congratulated for its outstanding leadership in organizing 
     this day. We are delighted and honored to be a part of this 
     observance and look forward to seeing more schools involved.
           Sincerely,
     Florence Griffith Joyner,
       Co-Chair.
     Tom McMillen,
       Co-Chair.

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