[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8808--MAY 1, 2012

Proclamation 8808 of May 1, 2012

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In July 1961, President John F. Kennedy remarked that ``the strength of
our democracy and our country is really no greater in the final analysis
than the well-being of our citizens.'' He envisioned a renewed national
commitment to leading a more active and vigorous life--to pursuing
health of mind and body in equal proportion. Over half a century later,
that call to action still rings true. During National Physical Fitness
and Sports Month, we rededicate ourselves to empowering Americans young
and old with the tools to pursue a healthy lifestyle.
From the classroom to the court, countless Americans enrich their lives
and their health by getting active. Regular physical activity promotes
strong mental and physical development, builds lean muscle, and plays an
essential role in maintaining a healthy weight. Coupled with nutritious
meals, it can help prevent a wide variety of chronic diseases, including
cancer, heart disease, and stroke--three leading causes of death in the
United States. Yet, with inactivity and obesity continuing to put
millions at risk, we know we must do more to help individuals, families,
and communities across our Nation make exercise an easy, accessible part
of daily life.
My Administration is committed to realizing this vision. With First Lady
Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative and the President's Council on
Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, we are working to give more


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Americans the tools and information they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We
are striving to ensure children have access to nutritious food at school
and at home, and we are partnering with organizations across our country
to help more Americans get active. To learn more about these
initiatives, the President's Active Lifestyle Award, and how to get
involved in your community, visit www.LetsMove.gov and www.Fitness.gov.
All of us can play a role in giving our children a strong start and
ensuring a healthy future for our Nation. By coming together to exercise
with friends or family, children and adults can support each other in
living a more active life. Schools can bring more physical education
into the curriculum before, during, or after the school day. And
community leaders can promote physical activity by expanding safe routes
for children to walk or ride a bike to school, revitalizing parks and
playgrounds, and developing sports and fitness programs that are
accessible to all. As we celebrate the progress we have made toward
these goals, let us recommit to making positive change in our lives by
eating healthy and embracing an active lifestyle.
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 2012 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 first day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA