[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 28 (Thursday, March 6, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2027-S2028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL SPORTSMANSHIP DAY

 Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise in honor of National 
Sportsmanship Day, which was observed on March 4, in over 8,000 schools 
in all 50 States and 75 countries throughout the world.
  National Sportsmanship Day was conceived by the Institute for 
International Sport, located in my home State of Rhode Island. The 
Institutes 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 centerpiece of this years National Sportsmanship Day was a 
seminar and town meeting at the University of Rhode Island discussing 
the issue of violence in sport. This day long event included panels 
composed of professional athletes, coaches, and journalists who 
discussed the many different aspects of this issue.
  In addition, the Institute has enlisted the help of several Sports 
Ethics Fellows, including the winner of baseball's

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Roberto Clemente Man of the Year Award and 10 time All-Star for the 
Minnesota Twins, Kirby Puckett, Rhode Island's own Brad Faxon, one of 
the top golfers on the PGA tour and the cofounder of the Billy Andrade-
Brad Faxon Charities for Children Program. 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 on 
sportsmanship and developing programs for National Sportsmanship Day. 
Through competition, young athletes can learn that while winning is a 
worthy goal, honor, discipline, and hard work are more important. 
Indeed, these values will guide them in all aspects of everyday life.
  Mr. President, 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.

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