A Successful 2011 for President's Council

Relive the many successes of 2011 as we highlight the best of the best, including the Million PALA Challenge, Joining Forces, South Lawn Series, Worldwide Day of Play, PALA+, launch of FitnessGov on Twitter, and Lifetime Achievement and Community Leadership Awards.

Million PALA Challenge. In September 2010 during National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, we created the Million PALA Challenge to motivate at least one million Americans to get active and earn the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA). Twelve months later, we announced that over 1.7 million Americans earned their PALA, putting people of all ages and abilities on track to a healthier lifestyle. Read the official White House recap.

South Lawn Series. The South Lawn Series, which supports First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative, provides a special opportunity to bring together local children, sports leagues, and community program leaders to the South Lawn of the White House to participate in sports, games, and activities. In May 2011, PCFSN hosted a South Lawn series event to kick off National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and announce a new fitness industry effort with Joining Forces to support military families. Relive the exciting day with videos from the First Lady, PCFSN co-chairs Drew Brees and Dominique Dawes, and Council members.

Joining Forces. In support of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces initiative, PCFSN has teamed up with ACE and IHRSA to expand access to wellness programs and resources for deployed Reserve and National Guard Servicemembers and their immediate families to lead healthier and more active lifestyles. Across the nation, participating health clubs are providing free gym memberships and certified trainers are donating one million hours of personal fitness training. Learn more about our Joining Forces initiative (PDF, 160 KB).

Worldwide Day of Play. PCFSN joined with Nickelodeon and Let's Move! at Worldwide Day of Play on the Ellipse on the National Mall on September 24, 2011. For three hours during the event, Nickelodeon's networks and websites went dark to encourage kids and families to get up, go outside, and get active. The Council had a booth featuring an obstacle course, nutrition wheel, and giveaways as PCFSN Council members attended the event, interacted with families, and participated in physical activity and nutrition activities. During the event, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius launched PALA+, the next phase of PALA. Watch the excitement from Worldwide Day of Play.

PALA+. Launched at Worldwide Day of Play, PALA+ is the next phase of the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award. The new and improved PALA+ incorporates both regular physical activity and good nutrition – because both are needed to lead a healthy lifestyle. In addition to the previous daily physical activity requirements of 60 minutes for children and 30 minutes for adults, PALA+ challenges you to set and track healthy eating goals. Sign up today to commit to a healthy lifestyle with PALA+.

@FitnessGov Twitter. PCFSN strives to communicate with all Americans about the importance of fitness, sports, nutrition, and physical activity in the manner in which they want it. The Council launched its own Twitter account in September and attracted over 1,000 followers in the first month. Follow @FitnessGov today for news, tips, and updates from PCFSN and Council members.

Dr. Jayne Greenberg. In mid-October, President Obama announced the appointment of Dr. Jayne D. Greenberg to PCFSN. We're proud to welcome her to the Council! Dr. Greenberg is the District Director of Physical Education and Health Literacy for Miami-Dade County Public Schools where she has had immense success in ensuring that every student, regardless of their ability level, has an opportunity to access physical activity in Miami-Dade County. Talk about leading by example. Learn more about our new Council member.

National Foundation on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (NFFSN). In May, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced her appointments to the Board of Directors for NFFSN. The Foundation, established by an Act of the 111th Congress and signed into law by President Obama on December 22, 2010, will work with PCFSN and the private sector to continue to help all Americans get active, play sports, and eat healthier.
Learn more about the NFFSN .

Lifetime Achievement Awardees. This past year, the Council celebrated five individuals whose careers have greatly contributed to the advancement or promotion of physical activity, fitness, sports, or nutrition nationwide. The 2011 awardees are Sihak Henry Cho, Robert "Bobby" Dodd, Ph.D., William G. McNamara, James F. Sallis, Ph.D., and Judith C. Young, Ph.D. Learn more about these outstanding individuals.

Community Leadership Awards. PCFSN recognized 38 individuals and organizations who improve the lives of individuals within their community by providing or enhancing opportunities to engage in sports, physical activity, fitness, or nutrition-related programs. Help us applaud the 2011 Community Leadership Awardees or submit a nomination.