[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 164 (Wednesday, November 16, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 615--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE DESIGNATION OF 
         NOVEMBER 16, 2016, AS ``AMERICAN SPECIAL HOCKEY DAY''

  Mr. CASEY (for himself, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Wyden, and Mr. Franken) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:

                              S. Res. 615

       Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention, nearly 15 percent of children in the United 
     States have a developmental disability;
       Whereas the United States needs innovative, high-quality 
     programs that seek to create productive and independent 
     futures for children and adults with developmental 
     disabilities;
       Whereas the American Special Hockey Association was created 
     in 2000 to give individuals of all ages with developmental 
     disabilities an opportunity to learn and grow by playing ice 
     hockey;
       Whereas team sports provide opportunities for children to 
     develop independence, confidence, and fitness and the 
     programs of the American Special Hockey Association provide 
     the chance for individuals with disabilities to play sports 
     in an accessible environment so that all athletes are able to 
     participate;
       Whereas the American Special Hockey Association is the 
     largest special hockey organization in the world with more 
     than 54 member programs in more than 45 cities in the United 
     States;
       Whereas special hockey exists to enrich athletes with 
     developmental disabilities and, in addition to physical 
     hockey skills, the program helps children develop critical 
     skills such as dependability, self-reliance, concentration, 
     willingness to share, and personal accountability; and
       Whereas ``American Special Hockey Day'' will help recognize 
     the important role that special hockey plays in empowering 
     individuals with disabilities and developing the 
     characteristics that will help players to be more successful 
     both on and off the ice: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) supports the designation of November 16, 2016, as 
     ``American Special Hockey Day'';
       (2) strongly affirms the goals and purpose of special 
     hockey; and
       (3) encourages more individuals to volunteer and help 
     create similarly innovative and beneficial programs for 
     individuals with disabilities.

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