[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 18 (Monday, May 7, 2007)]
[Page 557]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 8138--National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2007

 May 1, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is an opportunity to 
educate Americans about the importance of healthy habits and regular 
physical activity. During this annual observance, we renew our 
commitment to helping keep our citizens physically active, and we 
recognize the value of incorporating exercise and sports into our daily 
lives.
    Regular physical activity is vital to good health. By maintaining an 
active lifestyle, citizens can reduce their risk of developing chronic 
health conditions. Participating in outdoor activities and individual or 
team sports helps promote physical fitness. These activities also teach 
young people important life lessons, including teamwork, patience, and 
discipline.
    My Administration is committed to helping ensure the good health of 
all Americans. This year is the fifth anniversary of the HealthierUS 
initiative, which helps Americans improve their personal health and 
fitness and prevent disease. The President's Council on Physical Fitness 
and Sports is spreading the message that a healthy America is a country 
that is physically active. Additionally, this year the Department of 
Health and Human Services and its partners launched a public awareness 
campaign to promote exercise and eating well to America's youth. This 
campaign encourages kids to ``Be a Player: Get Up and Play an Hour a 
Day.'' To find out other ways to improve health, Americans can visit 
fitness.gov or presidentschallenge.org. By making physical fitness a 
priority, our citizens can help prevent disease and live healthier 
lives.
    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 2007 as National 
Physical Fitness and Sports Month. I call upon my fellow citizens to 
participate in athletic activities and make physical fitness a priority 
in their lives. I also encourage individuals, schools, and communities 
to celebrate this month with appropriate activities and programs.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:54 a.m., May 2, 2007]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 3.