[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 143 (Friday, September 23, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S5951]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 279--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF 
            SEPTEMBER 24, 2011, AS ``WORLDWIDE DAY OF PLAY''

  Mrs. GILLIBRAND (for herself and Ms. Ayotte) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 279

       Whereas according to the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention, since 1980, obesity prevalence among children has 
     almost tripled and approximately 12,500,000, or 17 percent, 
     of children and adolescents in the United States are obese;
       Whereas according to the American Academy of Pediatrics 
     study entitled ``The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy 
     Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child 
     Bonds''--
       (1) play is essential to development because play 
     contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional 
     well-being of children and youth;
       (2) play offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage 
     fully with children; and
       (3) despite the benefits derived from play for both 
     children and parents, time for free play has been 
     significantly reduced for some children and youth in the 
     United States;
       Whereas Worldwide Day of Play is the centerpiece of The Big 
     Help, the long-term commitment of Nickelodeon to empower 
     children and families by providing the tools and information 
     children and families need to take action on the issues 
     children and families care about;
       Whereas in each of the 50 States and in 13 countries, 
     including at United States military bases around the globe, 
     children and families celebrate Worldwide Day of Play;
       Whereas on September 24, 2011, Nickelodeon will host the 
     8th annual Worldwide Day of Play;
       Whereas in 2011, in collaboration with the Let's Move! 
     campaign started by First Lady Michelle Obama and the 
     President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, the 
     Nickelodeon Worldwide Day of Play will be held on the Ellipse 
     in Washington, District of Columbia;
       Whereas September 24, 2011, would be an appropriate date to 
     designate as Worldwide Day of Play: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate supports the designation of 
     September 24, 2011, as ``Worldwide Day of Play''.

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