July 2014 - Parks & Recreation - 25

and hear an inspiring story about
sportsmanship from 2008 U.S. Track
and Field Olympian MeChelle Lewis.
Thanks to the support of his partners
on the ground and other exceptional organizations, Rep. McIntyre was
able to provide a tangible opportunity
for kids, regardless of their age, fitness
level or socioeconomic status, to be
active, learn about healthy eating and
experience the benefits of wellness.
In 2012, Rep. McIntyre and Sen.
Tom Harkin commissioned a Government Accountability Office study on
the state of youth sports in the United
States. The report, entitled " SchoolBased Physical Education (P.E.) and
Sports Programs, " discussed the challenges of providing P.E. and sports
opportunities within the school system. Rep. McIntyre briefed NRPA on
the study's results and hosted a panel
discussion with P.E. and youth sports
stakeholders to discuss ways in which
states, schools and communities might
mitigate those challenges.
In 2013, with the help of NRPA and
other notable sports organizations,
Rep. McIntyre released the 113th Congress Youth Sports Legislative Agenda,
entitled " F.A.N.S. for Youth Sports. "
The agenda is a compilation of current
legislation that augments the mission
of the Congressional Caucus on Youth
Sports and is the third of its kind with
two other agendas released in the 110th
and 112th Congresses. Each legislative
measure included in the agenda supports one of the four F.A.N.S. pillars
- Fitness, Access, Nutrition and Safety. Together, these proposals provide
suitable spaces, requisite resources,
invaluable instruction and paramount
protection to create an environment
friendly to youth sports activities.
The caucus has also hosted briefings on important youth sports-related issues like concussions, childhood

obesity, and susceptibility and prevention of knee injuries.
It is important for youth sports and
recreation to have a voice in Congress.
Physical activity has declined in the
U.S. by 32 percent since 1965. Physical inactivity leads to obesity-related
health problems, and, in too many cases, premature death. Ranking second
in the leading causes of preventable
death in the U.S., obesity kills an estimated 300,000 Americans each year.
With 12.5 million obese children in
the U.S. today, the direct cost of childhood obesity in this country is $14.3
billion per year. When combined with
adult obesity, that number rises to $147
billion. Looking at the big picture, the
" win-at-all-cost " mentality seems especially trivial. These numbers further
illustrate the importance of providing
safe and fun sports opportunities that
promote character development and
encourage lifelong healthy lifestyles.
NRPA has partnered with Rep.
McIntyre to advocate for youth sports
and recreation in Congress, and together, we have supported a number of bills and legislative initiatives
aimed at improving youth sports and
recreation in the U.S. Some examples
are included below.
The Community Parks Revitalization Act, H.R. 2424, was introduced
by Rep. Albio Sires in June 2013.
The bill would empower communities to rebuild, remodel, expand
and/or develop recreational areas
and facilities. The bill also connects
localities with innovative programming targeted at returning veterans,
at-risk youth and military families.
Since 1965, the Land and Water
Conservation Fund (LWCF) has
made critical investments in closeto-home parks and outdoor recreation facilities in both urban and
rural areas in all 50 states. Rep.

McIntyre and NRPA have worked
together to maintain robust support
for this critical program.
Similarly, Rep. McIntyre and NRPA
have advocated for passage of H.R.
2727. This bill was introduced by
Rep. David McKinley in July 2013
and would strengthen the State Assistance Program by preserving the
ability of states to use LWCF. The
LWCF State Assistance Program
has funded projects in every county
across the country and has ensured
access to ballparks, soccer fields and
green spaces for millions of youth.
Finally, the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act, a bill strongly supported by Rep. McIntyre and
the youth sports industry, would provide incentives for healthy and active
lifestyles. The PHIT bill was introduced in the most recent Congress by
Rep. Ron Kind as H.R. 956 in March
2013. It would allow Americans to
use pretax medical accounts to pay
for physical activity expenses, ultimately reducing the costs of staying
active. This in turn will help prevent
healthcare costs brought on by obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
Though the battle seems uphill, we
can make a difference at the national
level by supporting programs that provide our kids with safe, adequate facilities and resources. As author John
Whitehead once said, " Children are
the living messages we send to a time
we will not see. " Let us never be too
busy to help a child.
NRPA has honored Rep. McIntyre with
its National Congressional Award for his
work with children's health and with the
Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports, of
which he is founder and co-chairman.
Kaitlin Helms Wolf is the Deputy Legislative
Director for Rep. McIntyre (kaitlin.helms@
mail.house.gov).

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