[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 6, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 21243-21244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-10713]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 86 / Wednesday, May 6, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 21243]]


                Proclamation 8370 of May 1, 2009

                
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                A morning walk in the neighborhood or Saturday game of 
                catch with a child can brighten the day. Simple 
                activities like these also contribute to our physical 
                fitness. As the weather warms and invites us outside, I 
                encourage Americans to consider the many simple ways to 
                add physical fitness activities to our lives. 
                Incorporating these habits can put a smile on your 
                face, and it can also improve your long-term health and 
                well-being.

                This issue deserves our attention because physical 
                activity can help curtail the rise in chronic diseases 
                facing our Nation today. Among children and 
                adolescents, regular physical activity can improve bone 
                health and muscular fitness. Physical activity also 
                helps prevent childhood obesity, which is a serious 
                threat to our Nation's health. Among adults young and 
                old, physical activity has been shown to combat 
                obesity, while reducing the risk of heart disease, 
                stroke, and certain cancers. Even moderate amounts of 
                physical activity can reduce the risk of premature 
                death. All Americans should understand the significant 
                benefits physical activity provides.

                Individuals, employers, and communities can take steps 
                to promote physical fitness. Depending on his or her 
                ability, every American can try to be healthier by, for 
                example, walking or biking to work if it is nearby, 
                being active during free time, and eating healthier 
                meals. Employers can raise awareness and incorporate 
                physical activity in the workplace, and communities can 
                promote access to recreational activities and parks.

                The Department of Health and Human Services' Physical 
                Activity Guidelines for Americans are designed to help 
                Americans of various ages and abilities engage in 
                physical activity that can be incorporated easily into 
                their daily lives. More information about the 
                Guidelines is available at: www.health.gov/paguidelines paguidelines.

                To encourage attention to physical fitness, the 
                President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports 
                sponsors the National President's Challenge, a six-week 
                competition to determine America's most active State. 
                The Challenge extends from May 1 through July 24 this 
                year. I encourage Americans to register for the 
                Challenge at www.presidentschallenge.org and to begin 
                recording activity to help their State win this year's 
                competition.

                By learning about the benefits of physical fitness, 
                staying motivated, and being active and eating healthy, 
                more Americans can live healthier, longer, and happier 
                lives.

[[Page 21244]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim May 2009, as National 
                Physical Fitness and Sports Month. I call upon the 
                American people to take control of their health and 
                wellness by making physical activity, fitness, and 
                sports participation an important part of their daily 
                lives. I encourage individuals, businesses, and 
                community organizations to renew their commitment to 
                personal fitness and health by celebrating this month 
                with appropriate events and activities.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand 
                nine, and of the Independence of the United States of 
                America the two hundred and thirty-third.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-10713
Filed 5-5-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P