Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 102 Part 1.djvu/127

 PUBLIC LAW 100-289—APR. 12, 1988

102 STAT. 89

Public Law 100-289 100th Congress Joint Resolution To designate April 6, 1988, as "National Student-Athlete Day".

Whereas, the student-athlete represents a role model worthy of emulation by America's youth; Whereas, such worthy values and behaviors as perseverance, teamwork, self-discipline and commitment to a goal are fostered and promoted by both academic and athletic pursuits; Whereas, participation in athletics, together with education, provides opportunities to develop valuable social and leadership skills and to gain an appreciation of ethnic and racial groups different from one's own; Whereas, in spite of all the positive aspects of sport, overemphasis on sport at the expense of education can cause serious harm to an athlete's future; Whereas, the pursuit of victory in athletics among our nation's schools and colleges too often leads to exploitation and abuse of the student-athlete; Whereas, only 1 in 10,000 high school athletes who dream of a career in. professional sports ever realize that aspiration, while those who do can expect a professional sports career of less than 4 years; Whereas, thousands of America's youth sacrifice academic achievement to the dream of professional athletics; Whereas, the practice of keeping athletes eligible for participation on a team, even at the high school level, must be abandoned for a policy of ensuring a meaningful education and degree; Whereas, coaches, parents and educators of student-athletes must express high expectations for academic performance as well as for athletic performance; and Whereas, there is a need in this Nation to reemphasize the "student" in the term "student-athlete": Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That April 6, 1988, is designated as "National Student-Athlete Day" and the President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. Approved April 12, 1988.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.J. Res. 513: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 134 (1988): Mar. 30, considered and passed House and Senate.

Apr. 12, 1988 [H.J. Res. 513]

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