Michael Baumgartner: “as the father of five, with my youngest daughter attending her very first cross-country practice today, I rise to…”

“as the father of five, with my youngest daughter attending her very first cross-country practice today, I rise to commend the remarkable work of Active4Youth, a community-supported nonprofit that is transforming lives in Spokane. Mr. Speaker, we have too many fat kids in America, and we need to get more of them out running cross-country. Founded 25 years ago by local teacher Heidi Bresson and her husband, Mike, Active4Youth brings free cross-country programs to as many as 6,000 elementary students each fall. In a city where many families face economic hardship, this may be the only chance some children have to wear a uniform, be part of a team, and to feel that sense of belonging. This is not a school-funded program. It exists because individuals in our communities step up. It is working. Research from Washington State University shows Active4Youth participants have better attendance and significantly higher achievement in both math and language. This is more than running. It is physical activity, academic support, community connection, and character development all in one. Mr. Speaker, as we begin a new school year, let us recognize the power of programs like Active4Youth to change lives.”