[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 16 (Monday, April 25, 2005)]
[Page 644]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7889--National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2005

 April 20, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Physical fitness is vital to a healthy lifestyle. During National 
Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we highlight the importance of 
integrating exercise into our daily routines and encourage all our 
citizens to live more active lives.
    Physical fitness benefits both the body and the mind. Regular 
exercise, along with healthy eating habits, helps prevent serious health 
problems, improves productivity, and promotes better sleep and 
relaxation. Maintaining an active lifestyle reduces the risk of chronic 
diseases such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and certain 
cancers. Americans can improve their health and well-being by dedicating 
a small part of each day to physical activity.
    As children grow, athletic activities teach them important life 
lessons and help prepare them for the opportunities ahead. Sports are a 
way for young Americans to meet new friends, discover the value of 
teamwork, discipline, and patience, and learn to win and lose with 
respect for others. From baseball to mountain biking to swimming, sports 
and physical activities can be a great chance to get outdoors and enjoy 
memorable experiences with family and friends.
    Through the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, my 
Administration is promoting the incorporation of physical activity into 
daily life and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The Council's 
website, www.fitness.gov, provides information on steps individuals can 
take to live better and more productive lives. Programs like ``The 
President's Challenge'' help individuals set fitness goals and work hard 
to achieve them.
    I urge all Americans to set aside time to improve their health 
through physical fitness and sports, and I encourage individuals to help 
motivate their family and friends to get out and exercise. By 
contributing to a culture of health and well-being in America, citizens 
help demonstrate the strength and character of our great country.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2005 as National 
Physical Fitness and Sports Month. I call upon the people of the United 
States to make daily physical activity a priority in their lives and to 
recognize the numerous benefits of an active lifestyle. I also call on 
all Americans to celebrate this month with appropriate ceremonies, 
activities, and programs.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day 
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
ninth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:40 a.m., April 21, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April 
22.