For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
April 20, 2005
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Physical fitness is vital to a healthy lifestyle. During National
Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we highlight the importance of
integrating exercise into our daily routines and encourage all our
citizens to live more active lives.
Physical fitness benefits both the body and the mind. Regular
exercise, along with healthy eating habits, helps prevent serious
health problems, improves productivity, and promotes better sleep and
relaxation. Maintaining an active lifestyle reduces the risk of
chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and
certain cancers. Americans can improve their health and well being by
dedicating a small part of each day to physical activity.
As children grow, athletic activities teach them important life
lessons and help prepare them for the opportunities ahead. Sports are
a way for young Americans to meet new friends, discover the value of
teamwork, discipline, and patience, and learn to win and lose with
respect for others. From baseball to mountain biking to swimming,
sports and physical activities can be a great chance to get outdoors
and enjoy memorable experiences with family and friends.
Through the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, my
Administration is promoting the incorporation of physical activity into
daily life and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The Council's
website, www.fitness.gov, provides information on steps individuals can
take to live better and more productive lives. Programs like "The
President's Challenge" help individuals set fitness goals and work hard
to achieve them.
I urge all Americans to set aside time to improve their health
through physical fitness and sports, and I encourage individuals to
help motivate their family and friends to get out and exercise. By
contributing to a culture of health and well-being in America, citizens
help demonstrate the strength and character of our great country.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2005 as National
Physical Fitness and Sports Month. I call upon the people of the United
States to make daily physical activity a priority in their lives and to
recognize the numerous benefits of an active lifestyle. I also call on
all Americans to celebrate this month with appropriate ceremonies,
activities, and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day
of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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