Quigley Recognizes "Hockey is for Everyone Month"
WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) spoke on the House floor about his resolution recognizing the National Hockey League's Hockey is for Everyone initiative and its efforts to support hockey programs and childhood development in neighborhoods across North America.
"I believe that no matter your background, every child should have the opportunity to play the greatest sport in the world, said Quigley. "I want to thank the NHL and their Hockey is for Everyone initiative for bringing hockey to so many communities. And I want to commend the NHL and USA Hockey for joining the First Lady in the Let's Move campaign to encourage healthy exercise. I also want to note that Feb. 20 marks Hockey Day in America, a salute to the roots of the game and celebration of its traditions and pageantry, and the great city of Chicago is planning to join in the celebration with a full day of activities at the Ice Rink in Millennium Park.
Quigley teamed up with the Chicago Blackhawks in January to host a floor hockey skills clinic at the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club in Chicago.
To celebrate Hockey is for Everyone, the NHL designated February as Hockey is for Everyone Month. Each year, NHL programs reach 300,000 boys and girls in more than 30 non-profit youth hockey organizations and 1,600 schools and community centers. The leadership skills and responsibility learned through its programs have been shown to reduce dropout rates in high school and increase college attendance rates, as well as foster learning and growth in children and young teens. The NHL also holds events for Wounded Warriors and aids children in their rehabilitation from physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities.
Video of Quigley's remarks in support of H.Res. 68, Supporting the goals and ideals of "Hockey is For Everyone Month", is available below.
Quigley is an avid Chicago Blackhawks fan and plays hockey twice a week. He spoke on the House floor the morning after the Blackhawks won the 2010 Stanley Cup Championship and introduced a resolution honoring the team. He founded the Congressional Hockey Caucus and recently hosted Hockey Day on Capitol Hill.