ANAHEIM, CA -- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants California to become the “Fitness State.” Schwarzenegger, along with numerous celebrities, announced the launch of the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that will promote the health benefits of physical fitness, exercise and sports for all Californians.
The celebrities on hand to make the announcement were U.S. Open tennis champion Lindsay Davenport; baseball legend Reggie Jackson; professional skateboarder Tony Hawk; World Champion and Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan; Julie Foudy of the U.S. Olympic Gold Medal women's soccer team; exercise and fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne; and U.S. Olympic Gold Medal gymnast Peter Vidmar. The athletes are all be members of the council.
"Nowhere on earth will you find greater opportunities to lead healthy and active lifestyles than right here in California," Governor Schwarzenegger said. "With the new Active California program working in partnership with the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, we're going to do even more to improve the health and well-being of all Californians."
The Council's mission is to establish California as the nation's first "Fitness State" and to encourage all Californians to set and commit to achieve their personal exercise and fitness goals. As a first step, the Council is creating "ActiveCA," which challenges Californians to be physically active at least three days a week. Californians can join "ActiveCA" on the Web, or by picking up applications at retail outlets, parks and schools throughout the state. When they register for the program, Californians can set their activity goals, track their progress and find fitness tips and challenges. Individuals who succeed in meeting a four-week activity challenge will be eligible to receive rewards from the Governor's Council.
For more information about the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, visit www.ActiveCA.org.