McIntyre Introduces Youth Sports Legislative Pacakage -- Asks Both U.S. House and U.S. Senate To Support

Press Release

McIntyre Introduces Youth Sports Legislative Pacakage -- Asks Both U.S. House and U.S. Senate To Support

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Dear Senate Majority Leader Reid, Senate Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Boehner,

Approximately 50 million American children participate in organized sports. All across our country, youth sports are shaping both the physical and character development of our children, and we need to give them the necessary resources and leadership to allow them to learn the valuable lessons of youth sports. We are asking you to help provide opportunities for our youth to participate in sports activities by supporting the Youth Sports Congressional Legislative Package.

The numerous benefits reaped by children's involvement in sports - better grades, excellent interpersonal skills and a healthier lifestyle - are especially important at a time when an increasing number of children are battling childhood obesity. Unfortunately, experts estimate that more than 70 percent of children quit organized sports by age 13, often telling coaches, "It just wasn't fun any more." This package represents a renewed commitment to our youth and their futures.

Each measure recommended by the Youth Sports Congressional Legislative Package champions a mutual goal of improving the opportunities for youth sports participation around the country. These bills and appropriations requests would provide sufficient spaces, adequate resources, necessary information, and important incentives to create an environment friendly to youth sports activities. As part of this package, we ask you to support the following:

• H. Res. 442, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Youth Sports Week should be established
• The Play Every Day Act, H.R. 2045
• The High School Athletics Accountability Act of 2007, H.R. 901
• The Personal Health Investment Today Act of 2007, H.R. 245
• The Improved Nutrition and Physical Activity Act of 2007, H.R. 2677
• $100 million for Land and Water Conservation Fund state and local grants in the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008.
• $73 million for the Carol White Physical Education Program in the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008.
• $18 million for the National Youth Sports Program in the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008.

With the obesity crisis in our country and the need to continue to help our children develop positive values, it is important that America's youth have the opportunity to participate in youth sports. We respectfully urge your support for the Youth Sports Congressional Legislative Package.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response and working with you to promote youth sports in America.

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