[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 5, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1527-S1528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 SUPPORT OF NATIONAL SPORTSMANSHIP DAY

 Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, today marks the sixth annual 
celebration of National Sportsmanship Day. Designed to promote ethics, 
integrity, and good sportsmanship in athletics, as well as in society 
as a whole, National Sportsmanship Day was established by the Institute 
for International Sport at the University of Rhode Island.
  As my colleagues may recall, the Institute for International Sport 
gained national attention 3 years ago as the sponsor of the inaugural 
World Scholar-Athlete Games in Newport, RI. More than 1,600 student-
athletes from 108 countries participated in athletic and scholastic 
competitions. In 1995, the institute sponsored the Rhode Island 
Scholar-Athlete Games, which served as a model for similar contests 
across the country.
  Schools and colleges from across the United States are encouraged to 
participate in National Sportsmanship Day. This year, some 6,000 
schools representing all 50 States and 61 nations are expected to take 
part in the celebration. Working with material provided by the 
institute, classrooms around the globe will take this opportunity to 
debate questions related to gender equity, competition, and fair play. 
In addition, for the third year in a row USA Today is sponsoring a 
national essay contest.
  Another key component of National Sportsmanship Day is the Student-
Athlete Outreach Program. This program encourages high schools and 
colleges to send talented student-athletes to local elementary and 
middle schools to promote good sportsmanship and serve as positive role 
models. These students help young people build self-esteem, respect for 
physical fitness, and an appreciation for the value of teamwork.
  National Sportsmanship Day is recognized by the President's Council 
on Physical Fitness and Sports. In a letter to the institute, Florence 
Griffith

[[Page S1528]]

Joyner and Tom McMillen, cochairs of the President's Council, point out 
``the valuable life skills and lessons that are learned by youth and 
adults through participation in sports.'' I will ask that the full text 
of the letter be printed in the Record at the conclusion of my remarks.
  I am delighted that National Sportsmanship Day was initiated in Rhode 
Island and I applaud all the students and teachers who are 
participating in this inspiring event today. Likewise, I congratulate 
all of those at the Institute for International Sport, whose hard work 
and dedication over the last 6 years have made this program so 
successful.
  I ask that the letter be printed in the Record.
  The letter follows:
                                           The President's Council


                               on Physical Fitness and Sports,

                                       Washington, DC, March 1996.
       The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is 
     pleased to recognize March 5, 1996, as National Sportsmanship 
     Day. The valuable life skills and lessons that are learned by 
     youth and adults through participation in sports cannot be 
     overestimated.
       Participation in sports contributes to all aspects of our 
     lives, such as heightened awareness of the value of fair 
     play, ethics, integrity, honesty and sportsmanship, as well 
     as improving levels of physical fitness and health.
       The President's Council congratulates the Institute for 
     International Sport for its continued leadership in 
     organizing this important day. We wish you every success in 
     your efforts to broaden participation in and awareness of 
     National Sportsmanship Day.
     Florence Griffith Joyner,
       Co-Chair.
     Tom McMillen,
       Co-Chair.

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