[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE NYSP PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN--EAU CLAIRE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2000

  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize a fantastic program that 
benefits young people throughout the nation, and to pay special tribute 
to the chapter in my congressional district.
  Earlier this month, I had the pleasure to spend some time at the 
National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) on the University of Wisconsin--
Eau Claire campus. This is the twentieth year that an NYSP summer camp 
has operated in the Chippewa Valley region of western Wisconsin, at 
which disadvantaged youth take part in athletic, math and science 
activities for five weeks. The sports component of the program 
emphasizes instruction, competition, physical fitness and lifetime 
sports. The classroom programs cover nutrition, drug and alcohol 
awareness, higher education preparation and career discussions in 
addition to the science and math curriculum.
  Of the 180 or so NYSP programs that operate nationwide each summer, 
the University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire camp has been recognized as one 
of the top five programs seven times. It has also been rated as the top 
program twice in the last decade.
  NYSP is an excellent example of how federal partnerships with 
communities can work for the betterment of America's young people. 
Funds for NYSP are provided through the Department of Health and Human 
Services and are administered through the NCAA. In my home state, 
additional funds for food services are provided through the Department 
of Agriculture.
  NYSP provides the kids who participate in the camps with wonderful 
opportunities they would not otherwise have to learn, play, and form 
new friendships in friendly, safe and supportive environments. This 
year at UW--Eau Claire, 589 young people participated in NYSP.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate all of the many staff and volunteers who 
run the NYSP program at UW--Eau Claire. In particular, I wish to 
recognize Lisa McIntyre, Bill Harms, Jeff Lutz, Tom Platt and Tony 
Hudson, whose dedication to the program is very admirable, and who make 
sure I am kept up-to-date about the progress and success of NYSP each 
year.
  I offer a special word of congratulations and thanks to Diane 
Gibertson, who has been the Activities Director of NYSP in Eau Claire. 
Diane is retiring this year, and was instrumental in establishing NYSP 
in the Chippewa Valley twenty years ago. Diane's tireless efforts over 
the years on behalf of youth in our community serves as a shining 
example for all of us--young and old--to follow our dreams, and to take 
time to help make the dreams of our children come true.
  Once again, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the residents of western 
Wisconsin, I congratulate and thank all those who have made the NYSP 
program an amazing success. Our children, and our communities, are 
certainly the better for their efforts.

                          ____________________