Get Moving America: May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month!

Since 1983, May has been observed as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Individuals and organizations everywhere have joined in the fun to promote awareness of the value of physical activity in the pursuit of happier, healthier, more productive lives. To further this vital mission, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports reached out in 1994 to both public and private organizations to form the Presidential Fitness Partners in May. By working together in this partnership, our individual health and fitness messages will achieve increased public resonance.


What can you do? Look around your community for opportunities to participate:

Fitness/Health Fair – A special celebration with participating groups such as the local medical association, heart association, chamber of commerce, business and industry, educational institutions, or clubs. It may be conducted at local malls, in shopping centers, schools, or designated recreation centers.


Distance/Fun Runs/Fitness Walks – Many agencies and groups promote such events as part of their regular fitness programs, and these may be tied into Fitness Month. Assistance may be available from local running clubs or such groups as the National Road Runners of America. It is extremely important, however, that necessary precautions for emergency care be observed in planning and conducting distance runs. One such event is the 3rd Annual 5K Run/Walk, 5K Team Run & 1K Cub Fun Run on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos.

Other Suggestions – Take this opportunity to launch your community's Presidential Sports Award Program or assist your school and others who conduct the President's Challenge Youth Physical Fitness Awards Program (top achievers are eligible for the Presidential Physical Fitness Award). Aspects of the program may include a focus on youth fitness, employee fitness, fitness for special populations, and events of special emphasis such as 10K runs, volksmarches, walking tours, fitness assessment, and sporting events.