[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 86 (Friday, June 24, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE SPORTS FOUNDATION, INC.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 2005

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with great p1easure that I rise today 
to pay tribute to the Sports Foundation, Inc. (SFI), a non-profit 
organization in the Bronx that will hold its 16th Annual ``Claude Buddy 
Young Dinner'' in acknowledgement of community leadership, on June 
30th, 2005.
  Using sports, education, health and the athletic arena as a model, 
Sports Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to making a difference in the 
lives of young people by developing innovative programs that foster 
development of the skills and qualities necessary to produce socially 
responsible citizens and community leaders. Since 1969, SFI has 
provided a full spectrum of youth development services and events to 
urban and at-risk youth, including sports and recreation, counseling 
and mentoring, educational and career development, and drug prevention 
and health awareness services free of charge. Through these services 
SFI has been able to impact over 100,000 young people.
  The success that this organization has enjoyed over the past 36 years 
is due in large part to the great people who make up SFI. If it were 
not for their tireless efforts to empower the next generation of 
leaders, SFI would be nothing more than a great idea. I am proud to 
represent individuals who have the courage and conviction to take 
action when they see the need for improvement within the community.
  Mr. Speaker, on June 30th, SFI will hold its annual dinner in which 
they pay tribute to individuals within the community who have 
complemented their efforts in the South Bronx. This year's honorees 
includes a wide array of influential leaders, including the late 
Yolanda Garcia, whose good works helped to provide adequate housing and 
cleaner air for Bronx residents. It is my hope that SFI and all of this 
year's honorees will continue to serve as a bridge between despair and 
hope for young people living in the South Bronx.
  Mr. Speaker, as they celebrate their 16th Annual ``Claude Buddy Young 
Dinner'', I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to the 
Sports Foundation Inc. for more than thirty-six years of service to the 
youth of the South Bronx.

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