[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[February 27, 1992]
[Pages 344-345]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at a Points of Light Recognition Ceremony for the San Antonio 
Spurs Drug-Free Youth Basketball League in San Antonio

February 27, 1992
    Let me thank David, David Robinson, for the introduction, what he 
does for you kids, what these other guys do for you guys; Mayor Nelson 
Wolf; and it's great to see all of you here. Gregg Popovich and Frank 
Martin, thanks for the great work you do for the league. I'm also glad 
to see some of the Spurs here and, of course, an old friend of mine, 
owner Red McCombs, and players. Thanks for letting Barbara and me take 
part in all of this.
    I'm glad to see so many of the parents here today because the future 
of every community depends on the strong families. And that was the firm 
belief of our Founding Fathers, and it's just as true today.
    And as for the San Antonio Spurs, well, I've often said that from 
now on in America, any definition of a successful life must include 
serving others. And we call helping others being one of a Thousand 
Points of Light. And it's great to see athletes who succeed off the 
court as well as on and are willing to help the young people in this 
country. They set a great example for all of us, and thank you, guys.
    You know, many sports celebrities have volunteered their time and 
effort in the fight against drugs. But think of what could be 
accomplished if every basketball, baseball, football, soccer, hockey 
team, from major league to college, followed your ex-

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ample and became Points of Light in this struggle. And then, from San 
Antonio to Minneapolis, San Diego to Miami, a network of athletes would 
show our kids there is an alternative to drugs and crime. And think of 
what would be accomplished if leaders of every institution here 
committed themselves to helping the Spurs and other organizations solve 
social problems through voluntary service. San Antonio, the whole city, 
would become a community of light, something your Mayor over here is 
working for every single day.
    And you kids are learning something more than just how to make a 
layup, although I saw some real pros out there doing that, put on a 
full-court press. You're learning about what really makes adults click, 
responsibility, conscience, and goals. And you're helping this wonderful 
community become a decent, drug-free, safe place to live. And by staying 
drug-free, and I just heard a group of these kids take the pledge in 
there, staying drug-free, you're helping the country set up a chance for 
everybody keeping away from the deadly grip of drugs.
    We're seeing results. This year we've dramatically exceeded many of 
the goals that we'd hoped to reach, particularly in the area affecting 
kids like you. The national goal was to reduce casual drug use by 30 
percent. It's actually fallen 63 percent. And that's something that 
we've all done together and something that everyone here, the adults who 
are working with these kids, should be particularly proud of.
    And so, I came here today to meet with Latin American leaders for 
coordinating our nations' efforts to combat drugs. We are going to win 
that fight. We had a very good meeting with all these Presidents, who 
were thrilled to be in San Antonio.
    We want to make life better for the kids in this country. And as a 
Nation, we have to celebrate the success stories. Showing the good 
that's being done inspires others to get out there and do good as well. 
And so, we're here to honor something special, your determination and 
your spirit. And you kids, and the 2,300 like you across this city, are 
learning very important lessons here: Staying drug-free can help you 
make your dreams come true.
    Today, in order to highlight for others the good work that you are 
doing here, all of you, young and old, I recognize the San Antonio Spurs 
Drug-Free Youth Basketball League as our Nation's 705th daily Point of 
Light. You see, you prove that no community has to accept things as they 
are. Drugs and other problems can be driven from our backyards if 
leaders in every community are like these guys, if leaders in every 
community care enough to urge people to become Points of Light.
    So congratulations to all of you who show us that it's better to 
build children than repair adults. Keep making those hoops against all 
odds. And may God bless each and every one of you.
    And now I would like to ask Pop, Gregg Popovich, to come up here and 
let me present him with the symbol honoring his efforts, your efforts, 
the team's efforts as the 705th daily Point of Light for our whole 
country. You're going to set an example for many others in cities all 
across America.
    Congratulations.

                    Note: The President spoke at 5:02 p.m. at the West 
                        End Community Center. In his remarks, he 
                        referred to center David Robinson and assistant 
                        coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs 
                        and Frank Martin, director of the youth 
                        basketball league.