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Council History 1953 - 1963

History of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition

1953 - 1963 (Selected Highlights)

Administration: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Date: 1953 - 1961
Chair:	Event/Program: Published report by Kraus/Weber created concern about the physical fitness of America's children relative to their European counterparts.
Date: 18 – 19 June 1956
Chair:	Event/Program: President's Conference on Fitness of American Youth at U.S. Naval Academy
Date: 16 July 1956
Chair: Vice President Richard M. Nixon Chairman Shane McCarthy Executive Director, 1956 - 1961	Event/Program: President Eisenhower creates the President's Council on Youth Fitness with cabinet - level status. The Executive Order specifies "one" objective. The first Council identifies itself as a "catalytic agent" concentrating on creating public awareness. A President's Citizens - Advisory Committee on Fitness of American Youth is confirmed to give advice to Council.
Date: 9 – 10 September 1957
Chair:	Event/Program: Conference on Physical Fitness of Youth, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, NY - plan of action developed. The first nationwide pilot study of 8,500 boys and girls ages 5 thru 12 resulted in start of national testing program (today known as President's Challenge)
Administration: John F. Kennedy
Date: 1961 - 1963
Chair: Charles (Bud) Wilkinson Consultant to the President on Physical Fitness, 1961 - 1963 Richard Swider Council Administrator	Event/Program: President Kennedy changes the name to the President's Council on Physical Fitness to address all age groups. The President amended the Executive Order by one objective - enlisting the aid of citizens, civic groups, etc. With the aid of the Advertising Council, Inc., a nationwide public service advertising campaign was launched. President Kennedy promoted taking the 50 mile hikes previously required of U.S. Marine officers. His brother, Robert Kennedy, who was the Attorney General at that time, completed the challenge in the snow and slush wearing dress shoes. State demonstration centers were designed in 1961 to showcase model elementary and secondary schools. In that same year, President Kennedy speaks at the Conference on Physical Fitness of Youth. Regional clinics and educational films are initiated.