Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that a National Youth Sports Week should be established.

Whereas about 42 million children participate in organized sports each year;

Whereas children participating in organized sports tend to perform better in school, develop excellent interpersonal skills, and lead healthier lives;

Whereas organized youth sports help children increase their self-esteem, develop an appreciation of health and fitness, and become leaders within the community;

Whereas organized youth sports provide for regular physical activity and help combat increasing rates of childhood obesity;

Whereas the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports was created, with great help and support from the Citizenship Through Sports Alliance, Positive Coaching Alliance, and National Recreation and Park Association, to restore the focus in youth sports on the child’s experience and character development;

Whereas far too many children quit participating in youth sports at a young age, many telling coaches and parents, It just wasn’t fun anymore;

Whereas the National Recreation and Park Association has designated July as Parks and Recreation Month;

Whereas many youth sports organizations gather at local parks and recreation facilities across the country; and

Whereas designating the fourth week in July as National Youth Sports Week would raise awareness of the important physical and emotional benefits of participating in youth sports and the need to promote sportsmanship among players, parents, coaches, and officials: Now, therefore, be it