123STA T . 3 6 3 8PROCL A M AT I O N 83 70— MA Y 1 , 200 9adultsyo u ng and old ,ph ys ic al acti v ity has be en sho w ntoco m bat obe - sity, while r educing the ris k o f heart disease, stroke, and certain can- cers .E ven moderate amounts of physical activity can reduce the risk of premature death. A ll Americans should understand the significant benefits physical activity provides. I ndividuals, employers, and communities can take steps to promote physical fitness. D epending on his or her ability, every American can try to be healthier by, for e x ample, walking or biking to work if it is nearby, being active during free time, and eating healthier meals. Em- ployers can raise awareness and incorporate physical activity in the workplace, and communities can promote access to recreational activi- ties and parks. T he Department of H ealth and Human S ervices ’P hysical Activity G uidelines for Americans are designed to help Americans of various ages and abilities engage in physical activity that can be incorporated easily into their daily lives. M ore information about the Guidelines is available at
www.health.gov / paguidelines. To encourage attention to physical fitness, the President’s C ouncil on Physical F itness and Sports sponsors the N ational President’s Chal- lenge, a six-week competition to determine America’s most active State. The Challenge extends from May 1 through J uly 24 this year. I encourage Americans to register for the Challenge at www.presidentschallenge.org and to begin recording activity to help their State win this year’s competition. B y learning about the benefits of physical fitness, staying motivated, and being active and eating healthy, more Americans can live healthier, longer, and happier lives. N OW , THE R EFORE, I, BARAC K OBAMA, President of the U nited States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2 0 0 9 , as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. I call upon the Amer- ican people to take control of their health and wellness by making physical activity, fitness, and sports participation an important part of their daily lives. I encourage individuals, businesses, and community organi z ations to renew their commitment to personal fitness and health by celebrating this month with appropriate events and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our L ord two thousand nine, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- third. BARACK OBAMA
