For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 8, 2004
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Physical fitness is an integral part of a healthy life and a
healthy America. National Physical Fitness and Sports Month provides
an opportunity for all Americans to learn more about the benefits of
exercise and sports and to make being physically active part of their
everyday lives.
Regular physical activity builds strength and aerobic fitness,
provides motivation, promotes relaxation, and facilitates sleep for
people of all ages and abilities. Regular exercise -- in some cases,
simply walking for half an hour -- can help reduce the risk of many
serious health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. By
participating in sports, individuals also learn teamwork, discipline,
and how to accept victory and defeat with grace. These important
lessons help build good character and teach strong values.
My Administration has recommended a few simple steps to achieve
better health and fitness. Our HealthierUS Initiative promotes daily
physical activity, healthy diets, and preventative screenings. It also
encourages people to avoid tobacco and drugs, and to make responsible
choices about alcohol. Across our country, people are making physical
activity part of their daily lives by participating in the President's
Challenge, a fitness program that helps them track weekly fitness
activities and rewards them for reaching defined fitness goals.
As we observe National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, I urge
adults and children to participate in regular physical activity. I
encourage parents to make family time active, and I call on Americans
to help motivate their friends to have an active lifestyle. By
exercising regularly and participating in sports, we can improve our
health, set a positive example for our children, and help build a
stronger future for our 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 2004 as National
Physical Fitness and Sports Month. I call upon the people of the United
States to recognize the importance of daily physical activity and
sports for all our citizens, and to make fitness a part of daily life.
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 seventh day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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