USA Track & Field (USATF) has paired with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for their joint program, “Be A Champion,” that promotes fitness, fair play and the benefits of physical activity to young people. It will be launched October 7 at the USA Track & Field Elite Athlete Summit in Miami, Florida.
“Promoting youth fitness, especially as American school systems continue to cut physical education programs, is one of the strategic objectives of USA Track & Field,” said Craig Masback, USATF CEO, in a release issued Tuesday. “By partnering with ACSM, our athletes, volunteers and grass roots organizations, we will be able to effectively show American young people that there is a right way to be healthy and fit. Having Olympic athletes as well as medical professionals be part of the program is vital to its success.”
Beginning in October, U.S.track and field star athletes will appear in school convocations to deliver health promotion messages and encourage kids in grades K-12 to take the “Be A Champion” pledge that consists of a promise to incorporate more activity and pursue drug-and-supplement-free participation in sports and recreation.
The program, which will be introduced through community outreach activities in school and regional youth organizations, aims at educating youth, parents, educators and coaches about the positive results of living a healthy, active and drug-free lifestyle. Later the program will go through clinics for coaches, trainers and healthcare personnel involved with youth sports.