[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6056]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       NATIONAL SPORTSMANSHIP DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES R. LANGEVIN

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 9, 2007

  Mr. LANGEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate March 6, 
2007, as the 17th annual National Sportsmanship Day.
  National Sportsmanship Day serves as an opportunity for athletes and 
sports fans of all ages to recognize and discuss the need for ethics, 
fair play and sportsmanship in athletics. Parents, teachers, students, 
and school administrators are encouraged to engage in thoughtful and 
constructive dialogue to promote self-control, nonviolence, and honesty 
on and off the field. With increased pressure to succeed placed upon 
today's athletes and students, the importance of integrity and fair 
play have never been more evident.
  In today's society, students face heightened demand in all areas of 
life, including athletics. As a result, the drive for success can 
foster unhealthy competition. Sadly, the principles and participation 
of sport are lost when students are forced to adopt a ``win at all 
costs'' mentality. National Sportsmanship Day strives to promote 
sportsmanship through the defeat of gamesmanship, the practice of 
ethically dubious methods to gain an objective. Through activities and 
discussions, more than 13,500 schools throughout the United States and 
around the world will participate in these events to spread integrity 
in athletics.
  Each year, National Sportsmanship Day recognizes a number of athletes 
who offer a tribute to their respective sport and enhance their skills 
with their desire to play fairly. This year, the Institute for 
International Sport has selected their Sports Ethics Fellows based on 
recommendations from a number of players, coaches, and school 
administrators at the high school level. With their simultaneous 
pursuit of both academic and athletic excellence, they model and 
promote the virtues of the student-athlete in the truest sense.
  I hope that my colleagues can join with me on this day in celebrating 
and promoting the continued success of National Sportsmanship Day. With 
their moral, ethical and fitness components, today's activities can 
promote a healthy and more active community amongst our nation's youth, 
and support a team-oriented future for our nation of sports 
enthusiasts.

                          ____________________