[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 26 (Monday, July 5, 1993)]
[Pages 1215-1216]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6576--National Youth Sports Program Day, 1993

 July 1, 1993

By the President of the United States

 of America

A Proclamation

    The National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) provides economically 
disadvantaged children between the ages of 10 through 16 opportunities 
to earn and learn self-respect through a comprehensive sports and 
educational instruction program. Today, in its 25th year, the NYSP 
serves more than 69,000 young people at 173 colleges and universities in 
44 States and the District of Columbia.
    The children who participate in the program receive supervised 
training in sport competitions, personal health care, proper nutrition, 
and free medical and follow-up examinations. They obtain information on 
drug and alcohol abuse and are taught about good study habits. Career 
and educational opportunities in math and science are also offered. In 
addition to the benefits provided to the children, the NYSP enables 
staff at the participating institutions to become involved in their 
communities and in providing solutions to community problems.
    For more than 25 years, the NYSP has worked to develop effective 
partnerships with several Federal agencies and departments and with the 
Nation's colleges and universities acting through the National 
Collegiate Athletic Association. These unique partnerships have allowed 
Federal funds to be used to provide direct services for youth, have 
enabled institutions to contribute their facilities and personnel, and 
have permitted public and private businesses to donate equipment and 
supplies needed for the chil- 

[[Page 1216]]

dren to participate in the program during the summer.
    By utilizing competitive sports as a means of expression, it has 
allowed these children to express their pain and deal with their 
difficult living conditions in a positive way, rather than in a self-
destructive manner. For many of these children, a sense of 
accomplishment and empowerment has taken the place of despair. I urge 
all Americans to join me on this special day to celebrate the 
significant gains that NYSP's 25 years of service has provided to these 
children.
    The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 88, has designated July 1, 
1993, as ``National Youth Sports Program Day'' and has requested the 
President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim July 1, 1993, as National Youth 
Sports Program Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day by 
demonstrating their respect for all those individuals who participate so 
successfully in these programs and by showing gratitude for those who 
unselfishly share their experiences, skills, and talents with the 
disadvantaged youths who participate in NYSP activities across the 
country.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
July, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
seventeenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 3:21 p.m., July 1, 1993]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
July 6.