WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), along with Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Tom Udall (D-N.M), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) introduced a resolution recognizing this week as National Youth Sports Week. The week highlights efforts by parents, volunteers and national organizations to promote healthy living and youth development.

“Youth sports provide young athletes with the fundamental values needed to succeed both on and off the field,” Senator Capito said. “Encouraging participation in these activities is an important component of promoting physical fitness and character development in our children. I am proud to designate this week as National Youth Sports Week to encourage kids to lead active and healthy lifestyles.”

“I’m proud to join my colleagues in celebrating the social, academic and health benefits of sports – and how sports leagues and activities are made possible by the hard work and support of parents, coaches, mentors and volunteers,” Senator Duckworth said.

“With youth summer leagues in full swing, we are all reminded that sports are an important way to keep our kids active and healthy and bring our communities together,” Senator Udall said. “As we designate and celebrate National Youth Sports Week, let’s commit to making sure parents and kids have the proper equipment and accurate information they need to play sports safely and have fun.”

“As both a parent and grandparent, I have experienced first-hand the positive impact that youth sports can have on a child’s self-growth. Participation in sports teaches our kids the invaluable life-skills of sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork at an early age. I’m proud to join this resolution with my colleagues to advance youth development and healthy lifestyles through youth sports participation,” Senator Durbin said.

“I am pleased to be able to highlight the important role parents, volunteers and national organizations play in youth sports,” Senator Moran said. “It is because of their sacrifice that the children in Kansas and around our country are able to learn the skills necessary to battle adversity, understand hard work and have fulfilling childhoods.”

The full text of the resolution can be found here

# # #