[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 43 (Friday, April 7, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S2436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNITION OF YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the YMCA 
organization and Ys across America as they celebrate Healthy Kids Day 
this April 8.
  Every year on Healthy Kids Day, Ys focus their attention on children 
as they organize and provide an opportunity for the whole family to 
spend time together while improving their health. Last year, more than 
1,200 YMCAs participated in Healthy Kids Day events. In Minnesota, some 
100 Ys have developed their own activities for this year's Healthy Kids 
Day to serve their local needs. From cookouts to mentoring programs, 
this Saturday is for the children's benefit as well as their families.
  Of course, the good work of the nation's YMCAs extends beyond Healthy 
Kids Day and into every day of the year. YMCAs promote healthy living 
habits and provide Americans of all ages with the tools to develop good 
character, empathizing respect and responsibility. Ys are for people of 
all faiths, races, abilities, and incomes. No one is turned away for 
inability to pay, as YMCA is the largest not-for-profit community 
service organization in America. The strength of America's YMCAs is in 
the people they bring together.
  More than half of YMCA members are under the age of 18. Ys involve 
more than 8 million children in programs to help them build lasting 
habits of good health, including regular exercise, healthy eating and 
avoidance of substance abuse. YMCA volunteers and staff act as role 
models for these children to expose them to all facets of life. Local 
Ys allow kids to have a place to call their own, and the programs they 
take part in allow them to develop a community with their peers.
  Instead of taking a cookie-cutter approach to community service, 
YMCAs adjust their programs to fit the needs of their local 
communities. Whether through day camps, the Black Achievers Program, 
swimming lessons, family literacy programs, job training, transitional 
housing, or any number of other important efforts, the nation's YMCAs 
are reaching out to our communities and offering individualized 
service.
  Not merely an American institution, YMCAs stretch around the globe, 
serving more than 30 million people in 120 countries and helping to 
foster strong kids, families and communities world-wide.
  Mr. President, this April 8 will build on that impressive record of 
service. I commend those involved in this year's celebration of YMCA 
Healthy Kids Day for their tireless efforts and wish continued success 
to every YMCA for making a difference in not only a child's life, but 
the lives of people of all ages.

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