President Obama has recently recognized the sporting goods and outdoor industries with two new initiatives that will encourage youth participation in athletics and promote outdoor recreation.


The president is forming a White House Office of Olympic, Paralympic and Youth Sport to “promote the values of the Olympic movement and encourage increased youth participation in athletics.” The primary function of the office will be to enhance awareness of the Olympic movement through promotion of its fundamental principles at the federal level. The new office will recommend federal policies and programs to the President to enhance opportunities and access for youth participation in sport with particular focus on youth in urban areas. It will also foster and encourage youth sport, educational and cultural events involving Olympic values-based programs and the participation of U.S. Olympians and Paralympians.


Additionally, the administration has undertaken a series of new initiatives to preserve and promote outdoor recreation. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced in early January that the National Park Service will offer three fee-free weekends this summer to encourage Americans seeking affordable vacations to visit these national treasures. The 147 National Park Service sites across the country that charge fees for entry will waive these entrance fees during the weekends of June 20-21, July 18-19, and Aug. 15-16, Salazar said.


Finally, Salazar has launched an initiative within the National Park Service to begin economic recovery projects at 107 national parks in next 100 days, creating new jobs and stimulating local economies while making parks better places for Americans to visit.


In a statement, Sally Jewell, REI president and CEO, said, “On behalf of REI's thousands of employees, we applaud the recent actions of President Obama and Secretary Salazar to encourage Americans to get outside and enjoy the wonders of nature. At a time when many are challenged to manage their finances and deal with the stress of challenging circumstances, spending time camping with family or hiking with friends are healthy, economical ways to engage with loved ones.”