I am pleased to be back at the Council helping to spread the message about the importance of physical activity for overall health and the many ways people can be active. With attention on healthcare reform, recovery act grants, and Healthy People 2020, there are numerous opportunities to talk about prevention and the role of physical activity and fitness. In addition, the recently introduced Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Act, gives hope that the focus on physical activity will not diminish.

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Northern Ireland Minister of Sport. I was humbled by his work overseeing numerous major sport governing bodies that span the political complexities of Ireland-- the east and the west (Northern Ireland and Great Britain) and the north and south (Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland). He and his staff are finding that politics aside, their major concerns are similar to ours. He sees declining activity levels among school children and is concerned not only for their physical health, but for the loss of social skills that can be developed through participation in sports. Our issue has no boundaries. Truly, we are all in this together.

Finally, after a short time in Washington, Sergio Rojas decided that he should decline his appointment as the Council’s Executive Director. Sergio is a strong advocate for physical activity and healthy lifestyles and I am sorry to see him go. There are many individuals with talent and energy who are interested in making a difference by leading this office. I am certain a new leader will be identified very soon and the Council will continue to prosper.

Sincerely,
Penelope Slade-Sawyer, PT, MSW
RADM USPHS
Acting Executive Director