Proclamation 5756 --
National Skiing Day, 1988
By
the President of the
A
Proclamation
National
Skiing Day gives all Americans the opportunity to celebrate the continuing role
of skiing in recreation, sports, and our economy, as well as its place in
American life and lore.
Many
Americans first discovered both the potential uses and the attractions of
skiing from reports of the achievements of an early skier, pioneer mail carrier
John A. ``Snowshoe'' Thompson, who transported letters and parcels in a
backpack as he covered his 90-mile territory through the
Since
then, other dedicated Americans have employed skiing in the defense of our
country, in rescue operations, and in similar activities.
Through
the years, skiing has experienced revolutions in equipment, technique, and
participation. Wood skis were replaced by metal ones, which then gave way to
fiberglass, and bindings have improved greatly. Today some 15 million Americans
engage in Alpine or Nordic skiing, and highly skilled and dedicated skiers and
biathletes vie for coveted positions on
Skiing,
of course, offers many benefits. In the areas of health and fitness, Alpine skiing's courses improve strength and flexibility, and
Nordic skiing's cross-country trails build endurance.
Skiing helps people improve coordination as they attain or maintain good physical
condition. Skiing provides enjoyment for spectators as well as participants,
fosters appreciation for the outdoors, and affords the opportunity to enjoy
winter and its splendors. Skiing also increases the recreational uses of
national forests and provides winter employment and income for residents of
rural communities.
In
recognition of skiing and its benefits, the Congress, by Public Law 100 - 189,
has designated January 8, 1988, as ``National Skiing Day'' and has authorized
and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of that day.
Now,
Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the
In
Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of December,
in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the
Ronald
Reagan
[Filed with the Office
of the Federal Register,