[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        DALLAS INNER CITY GAMES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARTIN FROST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 24, 2001

  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Inner-City Games, a 
nationwide program dedicated to providing opportunities for inner-city 
youth to participate in sports, educational, cultural, and community 
enrichment programs. In recent years, the program has expanded its 
education efforts by focusing on educational technology and the digital 
divide.
  The Inner-City Games was formed in response to the growing number of 
children across the nation living in poverty and facing the negative 
influences surrounding them in inner-city neighborhoods. Involving 
young people in sports clinics and competitions teaches valuable life 
lessons, brings young people from different cultures together on an 
equal playing field and teaches kids about teamwork, discipline, 
setting goals, working hard, and the valuable lessons of winning and 
losing. At the Inner-City Games, young people are taught that 
participation and learning are more important than winning and losing.
  Inner-City Games brings together local community leaders, creating an 
alliance between the private and public sectors to achieve their 
mission. Mayors, Police Chiefs, Public Schools, Parks and Recreation 
Departments, Public Housing and other youth service providers are 
working together to create a truly meaningful opportunity for thousands 
of young people across the country.
  Mr. Speaker, the Inner-City Games are due to launch in Dallas, Texas 
this week. This makes Dallas the 15th city to join this remarkable 
program. I commend the efforts of the city of Dallas and the tremendous 
number of people and organizations that came together to make the Games 
possible. Today, I especially want to thank Mr. Todd Wagner, National 
Board Member and Dallas Chairman for the Games. Mr. Wagner was 
instrumental in bringing the Inner-City Games to Dallas, and he 
deserves recognition for his outstanding efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the Inner-City Games and the opportunities 
it creates for thousands of young people across America. I know my 
colleagues will join me in congratulating the City of Dallas as they 
launch the first annual Dallas Inner-City Games this week, as well as 
Inner-City Games across America.

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