[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 87 (Friday, May 4, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 19901-19902]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-09737]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 87 / Friday, May 4, 2018 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 19901]]


                Proclamation 9737 of April 30, 2018

                
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2018

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we 
                renew our commitment to living healthier and more 
                active lifestyles, and acknowledge the positive 
                difference that sports make in our society. Setting 
                time aside each day to exercise improves both mental 
                health and overall quality of life. In addition to the 
                health benefits, participation in sports builds good 
                character, teaches the value of teamwork, reinforces 
                self-discipline, and promotes leadership.

                Involvement in both team and individual sports offers 
                countless benefits to the general well-being of 
                children, allowing them to gain knowledge of the 
                connection between effort and success, and enhancing 
                their academic, economic, and social prospects. Studies 
                have shown that children who are involved in sports 
                have greater self-discipline, higher self-esteem, and 
                are better at working with others. They are also more 
                likely to attend college and less likely to commit a 
                crime or suffer from mental or physical health 
                problems. Similar research suggests that individuals 
                who have participated in sports are more likely to 
                excel in the workplace and earn higher wages than their 
                peers who did not compete in athletics.

                In recent years, unfortunately, America has seen a 
                decline in youth sports participation, particularly 
                among young girls and children from economically 
                distressed areas. For this reason, in February, I 
                signed an Executive Order regarding sports, fitness, 
                and nutrition. The order establishes a Presidential 
                council focused on the critical importance of sports in 
                increasing the physical fitness and positive life 
                outcomes of our Nation's youth. This council is charged 
                with identifying ways to expand access to youth sports 
                and ensuring American children from all zip codes can 
                compete if they desire. The Executive Order emphasizes 
                my Administration's commitment to encouraging youth 
                sports participation throughout the United States, so 
                that we can strengthen the next generation of American 
                leaders and lift up our communities.

                Routine physical activity also offers extraordinary 
                health benefits for individuals of all ages. Engaging 
                in regular physical activity can reduce risk of 
                developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even 
                certain types of cancers. It also builds bone and 
                muscle strength, reducing the risk of injuries. In 
                children six years and older, regular engagement in 60 
                minutes or more of physical activity per day has been 
                shown to lower the risk of obesity, while improving 
                heart, muscular, and bone health. A routine exercise 
                plan can even assist in reducing symptoms of depression 
                and improving mental health. Therefore, I encourage all 
                Americans to develop and maintain a physical fitness 
                plan that helps them fulfill their fitness goals and 
                achieve a healthier overall lifestyle.

                At the root of a healthy America are healthy citizens. 
                This month, we celebrate and promote the benefits of 
                physical activity and recognize those selfless 
                individuals who volunteer their time and resources to 
                make it possible for our Nation's youth to participate 
                in sports programs. I encourage all Americans to find a 
                sport or to adopt an exercise routine that allows

[[Page 19902]]

                them to reap the numerous benefits of an active 
                lifestyle. Together, we can invest in a healthier and 
                stronger America.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim May 2018 as National 
                Physical Fitness and Sports Month. I call upon the 
                people of the United States to make physical activity 
                and sports participation a priority in their lives.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                second.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2018-09737
Filed 5-3-18; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F8-P