[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8662 of April 29, 2011

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month shines a spotlight on the
important role physical activity plays in our Nation's health and
wellness. Participation in sports can strengthen both body and mind, and
all kinds of active pastimes can help improve physical and mental well-
being. During this month, we rededicate ourselves to educating,
engaging, and empowering Americans of all backgrounds and abilities to
live a healthy lifestyle.
Through the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, my
Administration is encouraging Americans to make physical fitness and
nutritious eating part of their daily lives. Regular physical activity
and

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good nutrition are essential to staying healthy. A balanced diet and
exercise can help reduce the risk of developing chronic and costly
diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. For more information
on the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, and for
tips on exercise and nutrition, visit: www.Fitness.gov.
The health of our sons and daughters is key to our Nation's future.
Unfortunately, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled over the
past three decades, and nearly one in three children in our country is
either overweight or obese. With the help of adults serving as role
models and encouraging positive behaviors, we can give our children the
healthy future they deserve and turn around these troubling statistics.
Playing a game of basketball or taking a walk through a park with a
child may seem like small steps, but they can have an immeasurable
impact on the conduct and health of a young person. When children see
people in their lives making healthful decisions and encouraging them to
do the same, they are more likely to emulate those actions.
The First Lady's ``Let's Move!'' initiative is focused on solving the
epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation by inspiring children
to be physically active and empowering parents and caregivers to make
healthy choices for their families. In its first year, ``Let's Move!''
made great strides in building awareness around the issue of childhood
obesity, mobilizing support, garnering commitments across the country,
and encouraging Americans from every sector of our society to get
involved. This progress reminds us of what is possible when we work
together as a Nation to promote healthy habits.
During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, let us reaffirm our
commitment to leading active lives and fostering healthy homes and
communities for the next generation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2011 as National
Physical Fitness and Sports Month. I call upon the people of the United
States to make daily physical activity, sports participation, and good
nutrition a priority in their lives.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of
April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA