[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