Partnership for Play Every Day is a voluntary and collaborative initiative to increase the spaces and quality of play for children and youth in America. Affiliated with more than 30 of the nation’s leading non-profits, government agencies, universities, and corporations, the Partnership for Play Every Day hopes to create and sustain momentum for a national movement to have kids get 60 minutes of physical activity every day.1
The partnership was convened by the YMCA of the USA, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).2 Its members are comprised of local, state, and national organizations, expert advisors, and corporate partners.3
On February, 15, 2007, Senator John Harkin (D-IA) introduced the Play Every Day Act at the 1st session of the 110th Congress. Its purpose was to promote the national recommendation of physical activity to kids, families, and communities across the United States.4 The goals of the bill were to:
- increase the physical spaces and places available for physical activity
- increase the opportunities for children and families to participate in quality play and the number of children and families participating in quality play
- increase knowledge and awareness about the importance of individuals achieving 60 minutes of recommended physical activity every day5
The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.6 It was co-sponsored with 11 other senators. The bill never became law and was cleared from the books 2 years later.7
- 1. “The Partnership for Play Every Day.” Partnership for Play Every Day. < http://www.playeverday.org/about/more-infor.html > 1 Feb. 2011.
- 2. About Us.” Partnership for Play Every Day. < http://playeverday.org/about/about.html > 1 Feb. 2011.
- 3. “Members List.” Partnership for Play Every Day. < http://playeverday.org/about/members.html > 1 Feb. 2011.
- 4. “S.651: PLAY Every Day Act.” GovTrack. < http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s110-651 > 1 Feb. 2011.
- 5. “S.651: PLAY Every Day Act. Congressional Research Service Summary.” GovTrack. < http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s110-651&tab=summary > 17 Feb. 2011.
- 6. “Resources- Play Every Day Bill (S.651).” Partnership for Play Every Day. < http://www.playeveryday.org/resources/resources/html > 1 Feb. 2011.
- 7. Op. cit., “S.651: PLAY Every Day Act.”
