In Support of Go Skateboarding Day, June 21, 2008

Floor Speech

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the International Association of Skateboarding Companies for their work promoting increased participation and safety in skateboarding among children and adults alike. The association, and skaters across the country, will recognize and celebrate National Go Skateboarding Day on June 21, 2008.

Skateboarding, a native sport of my home State of California, continues to attract new riders every day and has grown into a major domestic industry and employer. Today, we see the sport throughout our country. From major metropolitan cities to small heartland towns, we see skateboard shops and skateboard parks creating opportunities for outdoor recreation, at a time when the health and physical activity of our citizens is in crisis.

This truly unique sport has grown up with our younger Americans, and has influenced untold aspects of our culture and society. While once thought of as a sport for the young, many of the top tier skateboarders are now older than many top tier athletes in more traditional sports, proving it is simply a sport for the young at heart.

Anyone who has seen skateboarding in the media or watched a skateboarder perfect their trade knows that it is a sport of intense discipline. As is true with traditional sports, many skateboarders learn larger life lessons from the activity. Persistence, discipline, creativity, individuality, community, risk-taking skills, and accomplishing one's goals are all important character traits that can carry over into real world success.

Go Skateboarding Day will further promote this worthwhile sport. According to the association, ``Go Skateboarding Day, an international event, began in 2004. Each year the holiday grows bigger and better than last. Skateboard parks, skateboard shops, cities and skateboarders plan events such as barbeques, fundraisers, contests, or simply took to the streets.''

The work of the International Association of Skateboarding Companies has promoted skateboarding and encouraged young people to enjoy the outdoors and exercise while strengthening their coordination, focus, and cardiovascular health. Skateboarding builds confidence and self-esteem while promoting teamwork and group participation. As a representative in Congress, one of my most important priorities is promoting and maintaining healthy living opportunities, and I thank the International Association of Skateboarding Companies for their efforts toward this important goal.

I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledgement and support of Go Skateboarding Day, this June 21st.

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