Special Observances:

Federal Register Volume 76, Number 87 (Thursday, May 5, 2011)

Presidential Documents

Pages 25521-25522

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]

FR Doc No: 2011-11065

Presidential Documents

Presidential Documents

Page 25521

Proclamation 8662 of April 29, 2011

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month shines a spotlight on the important role physical activity plays in our Nation's health and wellness. Participation in sports can strengthen both body and mind, and all kinds of active pastimes can help improve physical and mental well-being. During this month, we rededicate ourselves to educating, engaging, and empowering Americans of all backgrounds and abilities to live a healthy lifestyle.

Through the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and

Nutrition, my Administration is encouraging Americans to make physical fitness and nutritious eating part of their daily lives. Regular physical activity and good nutrition are essential to staying healthy. A balanced diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of developing chronic and costly diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. For more information on the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and

Nutrition, and for tips on exercise and nutrition, visit: www.Fitness.gov.

The health of our sons and daughters is key to our

Nation's future. Unfortunately, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled over the past three decades, and nearly one in three children in our country is either overweight or obese. With the help of adults serving as role models and encouraging positive behaviors, we can give our children the healthy future they deserve and turn around these troubling statistics. Playing a game of basketball or taking a walk through a park with a child may seem like small steps, but they can have an immeasurable impact on the conduct and health of a young person. When children see people in their lives making healthful decisions and encouraging them to do the same, they are more likely to emulate those actions.

The First Lady's ``Let's Move!'' initiative is focused on solving the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation by inspiring children to be physically active and empowering parents and caregivers to make healthy choices for their families. In its first year,

``Let's Move!'' made great strides in building awareness around the issue of childhood obesity, mobilizing support, garnering commitments across the country, and encouraging Americans from every sector of our society to get involved. This progress reminds us of what is possible when we work together as a Nation to promote healthy habits.

During National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to leading active lives and fostering healthy homes and communities for the next generation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 2011 as National

Physical Fitness and Sports Month. I call upon the people of the United States to make daily physical activity, sports participation, and good nutrition a priority in their lives.

Page 25522

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United

States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

(Presidential Sig.)

FR Doc. 2011-11065

Filed 5-4-11; 8:45 am

Billing code 3195-W1-P