On the recordFebruary 10, 2011
Mr. Speaker, as you know, I come from Chicago, home of the world champion Chicago Blackhawks, and I rise today in support of the National Hockey League's designation of the month of February as ``Hockey is for Everyone Month.'' ``Hockey is for Everyone'' is a nationwide initiative that works to break racial and economic barriers that prevent children from playing ice hockey. It reaches more than 300,000 underprivileged boys and girls annually across North America and includes programs for veterans and the disabled. I believe that no matter your background, every child should have the opportunity to play the greatest sport in the world. Increased access to healthy exercise will aid in the fight against childhood obesity and continue to decrease high school dropout rates. On behalf of kids all over the continent, I thank the National Hockey League and ``Hockey is for Everyone'' for putting more hockey sticks in more hands--and more pucks on those sticks. ____________________
