DALLAS — Lynn Swann, chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS), launched http://www.presidentschallenge.org, a new interactive Web site to help all Americans build a regular physical activity routine.
“We need to find ways to keep kids and families interested in getting physically active. By allowing people to chart success and receive awards, we are taking steps to build a healthier U.S.,” Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said.
“I congratulate the members of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports for their quick response to the president's call for Americans to be physically active every day.”
The PCPFS said that the new Web site is a motivational tool to help all Americans become active and fit.
Swann launched the new online tool at the Lakewest Family YMCA in advance of President Bush's HealthierUS fitness event at the center. Swann and other members of the Council demonstrated the free, easy-to-use Web site to youth attending Lakewest's summer programs. The online tool tracks a person's progress toward earning Presidential awards for active lifestyles and physical fitness.
The Web site is in response to President Bush and Secretary Thompson's growing concern for the health of Americans in the wake of a continuing rise in the prevalence of obesity. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, and 15 percent of children are overweight.
Last summer, President Bush appointed Swann, a sports broadcaster, former Pittsburgh Steeler and NFL Hall of Fame member, to lead the 20-member council.
“We are making this powerful new tool available to all Americans,” Swann said. “It can help people be healthy, active and fit for the rest of their lives.
The Web site is for families, schools, businesses, organizations and individuals who want to be active or motivate others to become physically active for health, as well as for those who are already active, to help them attain the highest possible fitness level.”
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