    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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

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    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 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.
    DONALD J. TRUMP