[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 113 (Friday, July 24, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    NATIONAL YOUTH SPORTS WEEK 2009

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                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 23, 2009

  Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of National 
Youth Sports Week, which is held each year during the fourth week in 
July. As Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on 
Youth Sports, I was pleased to sponsor legislation in the 110th 
Congress that established this week in order to recognize the vast 
array of benefits that youth athletic programs offer our children--
benefits that improve their general physical, emotional, and 
intellectual well-being.
  In response to the first-ever Report Card on Youth Sports in 2006, I 
started the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports with the intention to 
further develop our Nation's youth sports programs, and support the 
thousands of U.S.-based organizations that work with young athletes 
every day. The Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports specifically 
highlights programs that place character development at the forefront 
of their missions by promoting the values of sportsmanship, civility, 
respect, health, safety, fun, and fitness among players, coaches, 
parents, and officials.
  Also, I would like to encourage my colleagues in the U.S. House to 
join me in supporting H. Res. 6, a resolution I introduced at the 
beginning of this Congress that acknowledges the significant 
contribution of coaches across the country who volunteer their time and 
energy to promote sportsmanship, leadership skills, and self confidence 
to our Nation's youth. H. Res. 6 serves as a reminder of our commitment 
to the children of this Nation and recognizes the need to encourage 
adult involvement in youth sports programs across the country. It also 
establishes that the week of September 13-19 serve as National Coaches 
Appreciation Week.
  The parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends that volunteer 
their time to coach a team are invaluable leaders in our communities. 
In honor of National Youth Sports Week, it is important that the U.S. 
Congress recognizes their contributions and provides them with the 
resources they need to keep up the critical work they so selflessly do.

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