[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 27 (Wednesday, March 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E392]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL SPORTSMANSHIP DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. WEYGAND

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 5, 1997

  Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor today's 
celebration of National Sportsmanship Day. National Sportsmanship Day 
is designed to foster ethics and fair play in healthy athletic 
competition.
  National Sportsmanship Day is administered by the Institute for 
International Sport, located in my district at my alma mater, the 
University of Rhode Island. Since its inception in 1991, this program 
has grown to include more than 8,000 schools in all 50 States and in 75 
countries worldwide.
  To better educate students about good sportsmanship, the institute 
provides information and materials to participating schools on sports 
ethics, healthy competition, and fair and equitable play. The institute 
also sponsors essay contests, many of which are printed in local 
newspapers and further spread the laudable message of good 
sportsmanship.
  In the past, National Sportsmanship Day has enjoyed the support and 
encouragement of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and 
Sports. This year is no different and its cochairs, Florence Griffith 
Joyner and Tom McMillen, have again commended the Institute for 
International Sport for its work on promoting good sportsmanship.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding those 
participating in this worthwhile program, and in extending my 
congratulations to the Institute for International Sport for being 
recognized by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
  I would like to include in the Record the letter received by the 
Institute for International Sport from the President's Council on 
Physical Fitness and Sports.
  The letter follows:

                                        The President's Council on


                                  Physical Fitness and Sports,

                                                   Washington, DC.
       Once again, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and 
     Sports is pleased to recognize National Sportsmanship Day, 
     March 4, 1997. Participation in sports is a great way to 
     promote fitness while at the same time teaching lessons and 
     skills that help us lead longer, healthier lives.
       While it is personally satisfying to receive acclaim on 
     individual athletic feats, it is more important to try to 
     help all athletes focus on the value of fair play, ethics, 
     integrity, honesty and sportsmanship, as well as improving 
     their levels of physical activity and fitness.
       The Institute for International Sport deserves recognition 
     for the role it continues to play in this important annual 
     event. We wish you every success in your efforts to promote 
     the importance of National Sportsmanship Day.
     Florence Griffith Joyner,
                                                         Co-Chair.
     Tom McMillen,
     Co-Chair.

                          ____________________