[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 87 (Friday, May 4, 2012)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 26649-26650]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-11014]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 87 / Friday, May 4, 2012 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 26649]]


                Proclamation 8808 of May 1, 2012

                
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2012

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In July 1961, President John F. Kennedy remarked that 
                ``the strength of our democracy and our country is 
                really no greater in the final analysis than the well-
                being of our citizens.'' He envisioned a renewed 
                national commitment to leading a more active and 
                vigorous life--to pursuing health of mind and body in 
                equal proportion. Over half a century later, that call 
                to action still rings true. During National Physical 
                Fitness and Sports Month, we rededicate ourselves to 
                empowering Americans young and old with the tools to 
                pursue a healthy lifestyle.

                From the classroom to the court, countless Americans 
                enrich their lives and their health by getting active. 
                Regular physical activity promotes strong mental and 
                physical development, builds lean muscle, and plays an 
                essential role in maintaining a healthy weight. Coupled 
                with nutritious meals, it can help prevent a wide 
                variety of chronic diseases, including cancer, heart 
                disease, and stroke--three leading causes of death in 
                the United States. Yet, with inactivity and obesity 
                continuing to put millions at risk, we know we must do 
                more to help individuals, families, and communities 
                across our Nation make exercise an easy, accessible 
                part of daily life.

                My Administration is committed to realizing this 
                vision. With First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! 
                initiative and the President's Council on Fitness, 
                Sports, and Nutrition, we are working to give more 
                Americans the tools and information they need to 
                maintain a healthy lifestyle. We are striving to ensure 
                children have access to nutritious food at school and 
                at home, and we are partnering with organizations 
                across our country to help more Americans get active. 
                To learn more about these initiatives, the President's 
                Active Lifestyle Award, and how to get involved in your 
                community, visit www.LetsMove.gov and www.Fitness.gov.

                All of us can play a role in giving our children a 
                strong start and ensuring a healthy future for our 
                Nation. By coming together to exercise with friends or 
                family, children and adults can support each other in 
                living a more active life. Schools can bring more 
                physical education into the curriculum before, during, 
                or after the school day. And community leaders can 
                promote physical activity by expanding safe routes for 
                children to walk or ride a bike to school, revitalizing 
                parks and playgrounds, and developing sports and 
                fitness programs that are accessible to all. As we 
                celebrate the progress we have made toward these goals, 
                let us recommit to making positive change in our lives 
                by eating healthy and embracing an active lifestyle.

                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 2012 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 26650]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand 
                twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of 
                America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2012-11014
Filed 5-3-12; 2:00 pm]
Billing code 3295-F2-P