2009 National Health-through-Fitness Day

March 04, 2009


2009 National Health-through-Fitness Day

“Most schools have abandoned physical education funding (sic) because they are under-funded and worried about testing.  Ironically, it turns out kids perform better if they get physical education.”
President Barack Obama
February 23, 2008

Chris Draft joined the NFL Players Association and the National Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association on March 4 to ask Congress to promote physical education and activity in America during National Health through Fitness Day. 

The NFLPA asked Congress to pass legislation that will provide $100 Million in PEP funding for physical education and additional support for PHIT to provide financial incentives to increase physical activity by making it more affordable.  PEP and PHIT – Real Solutions to a Big Problem!  The two bills are:

(1)  Carol M. White Physical Education for Progress (PEP) Bill, which provides grants to school districts to support innovative physical education methods;

(2) Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Bill, which will encourage improved health through increased physical activity for all Americans by making it more affordable to play sports and engage in physical fitness and recreation activities -- through the use of pre-tax dollars. 

While in Washington, D.C., Chris also met with Dr. Ben Carson to discuss a potential partnership between the Foundation and the Ben Carson Scholarship Fund, which supports students who strive for academic excellence and demonstrate a strong commitment to their community.

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