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The Committee on Education, and Workforce Development The Honorable Kurt A. Vialet, Chairman 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands Wednesday, October 22, 2025 Vincent L. Roberts Commissioner, The Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation Vincent Roberts, Commissioner The Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation Testimony: Bill No. 36-0080 Wednesday, October 22, 2025 2 Good day, Honorable Senator Kurt A. Vialet, Chairman, members of the Committee on Education and Workforce Development and other members of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, fellow testifiers, listening and viewing audience. On behalf of the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation, I am Commissioner Vincent Roberts. Thank you for the opportunity to offer testimony on Bill No. 36-0080, which seeks to mandate a daily morning exercise routine for all students in the Virgin Islands’ public schools. The Department recognizes and fully supports the underlying intent of this legislation. Exercise plays a vital role in the physical, mental, and emotional development of our young people. It supports concentration, boosts academic performance, and contributes to overall health outcomes. As the agency charged with advancing recreation and sports territory-wide, DSPR shares this commitment to youth health and wellness. We continue to offer after-school, weekend, and community-based programs that encourage children and families to remain active — from youth sports leagues and fitness classes to outdoor recreation and wellness initiatives. These programs complement the physical education and extracurricular activities offered through the Department of Education. While we are aligned with the spirit of the bill, we respectfully note a few implementation considerations that may warrant further review. For larger campuses and schools with multiple grade levels, the logistics of coordinating a uniform, daily morning exercise session for all students could present scheduling, space, and supervision challenges. The Department believes that the bill’s objectives might be more effectively realized through the existing physical education curriculum and daily school routine, by integrating fitness modules, movement breaks, or short wellness sessions within the school day without creating additional logistical burdens for teachers or administrators. In summary, DSPR supports the intent of Bill No. 36-0080 and the promotion of regular physical activity among our youth. Vincent Roberts, Commissioner The Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation Testimony: Bill No. 36-0080 Wednesday, October 22, 2025 3 We recommend that implementation strategies be developed in close consultation with education and recreation professionals to ensure that the program is safe, sustainable, and effective in advancing student health. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, for the opportunity to provide this testimony. DSPR remains committed to fostering active, healthy lifestyles for our children and communities across the Virgin Islands. Thank you for the opportunity to testify. I am happy to answer any questions.