III
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 279
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
September 23, 2011
Mrs. Gillibrand (for herself and Ms. Ayotte) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the designation of
September 24, 2011, as Worldwide Day of Play
.
Whereas according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since 1980, obesity prevalence among children has almost tripled and approximately 12,500,000, or 17 percent, of children and adolescents in the United States are obese;
Whereas according to the American Academy of Pediatrics
study entitled The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child
Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds
—
play is essential to development because play contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth;
play offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with children; and
despite the benefits derived from play for both children and parents, time for free play has been significantly reduced for some children and youth in the United States;
Whereas Worldwide Day of Play is the centerpiece of The Big Help, the long-term commitment of Nickelodeon to empower children and families by providing the tools and information children and families need to take action on the issues children and families care about;
Whereas in each of the 50 States and in 13 countries, including at United States military bases around the globe, children and families celebrate Worldwide Day of Play;
Whereas on September 24, 2011, Nickelodeon will host the 8th annual Worldwide Day of Play;
Whereas in 2011, in collaboration with the Let's Move! campaign started by First Lady Michelle Obama and the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, the Nickelodeon Worldwide Day of Play will be held on the Ellipse in Washington, District of Columbia;
Whereas September 24, 2011, would be an appropriate date to designate as Worldwide Day of Play: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate supports the designation of
September 24, 2011, as Worldwide Day of Play
.