[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 41 (Thursday, April 2, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S3177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SHEBOYGAN SELECTED TO LAUNCH CAMPAIGN AGAINST YOUTH INACTIVITY

 Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the City of 
Sheboygan, Wisconsin for being selected by the National Sporting Goods 
Association to launch the Wannabe Cool, Gottabe Active Campaign. The 
campaign, which targets students in grades 3-8, is designed to inspire 
confidence in one's abilities and to spur a lifetime dedication to 
physical and mental wellness. We must recognize the importance of 
programs like this which give children options that empower them to 
lead healthy lives.
  Mr. President, this is especially important when we consider that we 
are witnessing a decrease in activity among our nation's youth. Today, 
only 22 percent of our children are physically active for the 
recommended 30 minutes each day. Physical education classes are on the 
decline with three out of four students in America not attending daily 
physical education classes and one out of four not attending any 
physical education classes in their schools--this represents a drop of 
almost 20 percent in just four years. These are frightening statistics 
and we need to reverse this trend.
  The Wannabe Cool, Gottabe Active Campaign is a good start. There are 
several things I like about the program. First, the campaign targets 
the right age group, because we know that a commitment to physical 
activity is formed between the ages of eight and twelve. I am also 
impressed that the campaign involves a cooperative effort: parents, 
students, teachers, and community leaders all working together. 
Finally, the Wanna be Cool, Gotta be Active Campaign is designed to 
encourage all youth, not just those who are athletically inclined to 
participate and develop long-term enjoyment of physical activity. This 
is a serious issue which demands our attention.
  Mr. President, I would like to once again extend my congratulations 
to the wonderful city of Sheboygan, Wisconsin for being selected to 
kick off the campaign. I'm sure that everyone involved will benefit 
from this very worthwhile venture.

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