    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 16 (Monday, April 24, 2006)]
    [Pages 747-748]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 8003--National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2006

    April 20, 2006

    By the President of the United States

    of America

    A Proclamation

        For 50 years, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
    has helped individuals, schools, communities, businesses, and
    organizations promote healthy lifestyles. During this year's National
    Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we celebrate the Council's 50th
    anniversary and underscore our Nation's strong commitment to health,
    physical activity, and fitness.
        President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded the President's Council on
    Youth Fitness in 1956 to encourage America's youth to make fitness a
    priority. He wrote that year, ``Our young people must be physically as
    well as mentally and spiritually prepared for American citizenship.''
    The Council later became the President's Council on Physical Fitness and
    Sports, including people of all ages and abilities and promoting fitness
    through sports and games.
        Today, the Council continues to play an important role in promoting
    fitness and healthy living in America. My HealthierUS Initiative
    provides simple steps to help citizens live longer and better lives, and
    millions of young people and adults have participated in the President's
    Challenge awards program. The Council's website, fitness.gov, has
    information about these programs and other ways Americans can improve
    their health through physical activity. By exercising regularly and
    maintaining healthy eating habits, individuals can feel better and
    reduce their risk of chronic health conditions like obesity, diabetes,
    heart disease, and cancer. An active lifestyle also creates
    opportunities for friends and family to spend time together and enjoy
    various forms of exercise, such as biking, hiking, and team sports. The
    medical benefits, increased self-confidence, and stress reduction that
    can come from athletic activity help contribute to a healthier, more
    productive Nation.
        I urge children, teens, and all Americans to make time every day for
    exercise and to encourage family, friends, and neighbors to live
    healthier lives by participating in physical fitness activities. As
    President Kennedy said at the 1961 Youth Fitness Conference, ``We do not
    want in the United States a nation of spectators. We want a nation of
    participants in the vigorous life.''
        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 2006 as National
    Physical Fitness and Sports Month. I call upon the people of the United
    States to

    [[Page 748]]

    make daily exercise a priority. I encourage individuals, community
    organizations, and schools to celebrate with physical and athletic
    activities and to work toward the great national goal of an active, fit
    America.
        In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day
    of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
    thirtieth.
                                                    George W. Bush

    [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:49 a.m., April 21,
    2006]

    Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on April
    24.