[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 76 (Thursday, June 5, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5375-S5376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE NORTHEAST PEANUT LEAGUE

 Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, the Northeast Peanut League 
[NEPL] will celebrate its annual All-Star Day on June 8. I would like 
to take a few moments of Senate business to recognize the NEPL and to 
discuss the opportunities it offers to more than 7,000 boys and girls 
between the ages of 5 and 16 in the Philadelphia area.
  Founded in 1981, the NEPL provides recreational activities for 
children who are not as advanced in their athletic abilities. This 
organization is based on the concept of simply having fun. The league 
makes sports a positive learning experience by enhancing the emotional, 
physical, social, and educational well-being of children. These teams 
allow children to realize their potential in elaborate all-star events, 
playoff games, and league awards. In short, the NEPL provides a 
nurturing environment where all children--regardless of their physical 
or mental abilities--can play, develop a sense of pride, and receive 
the fanfare previously reserved for the ``A'' leagues.
  Another important service the NEPL provides is substance abuse 
education. Each year, the league distributes thousands of drug 
prevention brochures to the children and their parents. Moreover, the 
league sponsors essay contests which encourage children to express 
their concerns about the drug epidemic. Winners of this essay contest 
and the Youth Work Award receive their prizes on the annual All-Star 
Day.
  Mr. President, I commend the Northeast Peanut League for the athletic 
and educational opportunities it offers to the children of 
Philadelphia. I ask

[[Page S5376]]

my colleagues to join me in extending the Senate's best wishes for 
continued success to the children, coaches, parents, officials, staff, 
and sponsors of the Northeast Peanut League.

                          ____________________