[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 51 (Wednesday, March 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE RICHMOND POLICE ACTIVITIES LEAGUE ON 30 YEARS OF PUBLIC 
                                SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2012

  Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great 
pleasure that I rise today to recognize and congratulate the men and 
women of the Richmond Police Activities League as they celebrate 30 
years of public service.
  The Richmond Police Activities League was first established in 1982 
to offer positive and proactive activities for local boys and girls 
between the ages of 5 and 18. Over the past three decades, Richmond 
PAL's programs have expanded to serve over 3,000 youth annually with 
excellent recreational, educational, social, and spiritual activities. 
Basketball, soccer, track, golf, baseball, football, and games like 
pool and ping-pong are great favorites at the PAL Center. They even 
have a state of the art recording studio which provides a unique 
opportunity for members to develop and showcase their talents.
  Furthermore, Richmond PAL's after school programs have helped 
increase the number of Richmond students staying in school, and have 
encouraged students to strive for academic excellence. With the help of 
volunteer teachers and tutors, many of these students have dramatically 
improved their reading and writing skills.
  In addition to the programs available at the Center, Richmond's 
Police Activities League offers field trips to local institutions such 
as the Lawrence Hall of Science, a ferry boat ride to San Francisco, or 
a visit to Fresno State University to explore the options of higher 
education. These field trips have encouraged many students to broaden 
their imaginations and have motivated them to achieve their goals.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
Richmond Police Activities League and the dedicated men and women who 
have made it a success over the past thirty years. These programs have 
made a difference in the lives of countless children, and PAL continues 
to be a positive force in our community and a priceless benefit to all 
residents. I am pleased to congratulate the organization for its 
accomplishments in public service and wish them well with all their 
future endeavors.

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