The PCPFS staff continues to plug away with its work supporting the mission of the Council and I do my best to do the same. As seems fitting to do around National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, the Council recognizes those who have made significant contributions to physical activity, fitness, and sports in their communities and worldwide.

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Betty Perkins-Carpenter and presenting her with the Council’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Washington, DC. Betty has dedicated most of her life to improving the well-being of others through her work in the sports of swimming and diving and, more recently, her work advancing the health of young children and senior citizens. I presented the award in the office of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter whose children Betty taught to swim. Betty’s work touched individuals in her backyard (literally, her backyard pool) and around the world. It was an honor to recognize her and her work. I hope to do the same for our other honorees, Asahel “Ash” Hayes and George Nissen. Considering Dr. Hayes’ direct service to the Council and Mr. Nissen’s considerable work advancing gymnastics and the trampoline, both men certainly are deserving. Please keep in mind individuals you may wish to recognize and consider nominating them for either the PCPFS Community Leadership or Lifetime Achievement Awards.

It was an honor to be asked to deliver the keynote address at the American Alliance for Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) annual meeting in April. I was able to meet some of the attendees and hear about their work in their classrooms and communities. AAHPERD members are doing some outstanding work! I was in Austin later in April to present Dr. Waneen Spirduso with the PCPFS Science Honor Award. Dr. Spirduso’s research has focused on the impact of health and physical activity on cognitive and motor function in older adults and the effects of physical activity on quality of life among the frail elderly. It was a privilege to present this tribute to Waneen for her outstanding contributions to the field.

May 1 brought the launch of the 2nd National President’s Challenge (NPC). We are honored that President Obama recognized the launch of the NPC in the proclamation he signed designating May as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Much consideration was given to having the NPC this year. Without Council members in place to champion and promote our activities, it’s difficult to drum up visibility for our work. However, we decided that the need for physical activity participation is too great not to move forward with this Challenge. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans remind us of that and so we continue to engage Americans of all ages and abilities in their quest to improve their own health and well-being through regular physical activity. We’ll see how many decided to take on the National President’s Challenge when the initiative ends July 24th. May the most active State win!

Here’s to a safe and active summer!

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