[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E273-E274]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL SPORTSMANSHIP DAY

                                 ______


                             HON. JACK REED

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 5, 1996

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of National Sportsmanship Day, 
which is being observed today in the United States and throughout the 
world. Since its inception in 1991, over 7,000 schools in all 50 States 
and 48 countries have joined in the National Sportsmanship Day 
festivities.
  National Sportsmanship Day was conceived by the Institute for 
International Sport, located in my congressional district at the 
University of Rhode Island. This year's slogan, ``Dare to Play Fair,'' 
challenges athletes, coaches, administrators, and parents to reflect on 
the true meaning of competition and to discuss the importance of ethics 
and fair play in sport, the classroom, and everyday life.
  The institute has enlisted the help of several Sports Ethics Fellows, 
including two time Boston Marathon winner and Olympic gold medalist 
Joan Benoit Samuelson, to promote this event. These men and women are 
wonderful role models who can be admired for more than just their 
athletic prowess. They have consistently demonstrated an interest in 
furthering the principles of honesty and integrity in sport and 
society.
  Indeed, the Sports Ethics Fellows are helping to teach the important 
lessons of National Sportsmanship Day by writing articles relating to 
sportsmanship and assisting in the development of programs for National 
Sportsmanship Day. Through competition, young athletes can learn that 
while winning is a goal worth working for, honor, discipline, and hard 
work are more important. These values will guide them in all aspects of 
everyday life.

[[Page E274]]

  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join the President's Council on 
Physical Fitness and Sports and the Rhode Island congressional 
delegation in recognizing this day and the principles it embodies.

                          ____________________