Monday, March 17, 2008

GOV. RITTER CALLS ON COLORADANS TO JOIN THE PRESIDENT'S FITNESS CHALLENGE


Gov. Bill Ritter, the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Region VIII today encouraged all Colorado residents to take the National President's Challenge, a six-week fitness challenge designed to get America up and moving. 
   
The National President's Challenge takes physical activity beyond the school gym and into everyday life. All Americans ages 6 and older are encouraged to join the Challenge, be active five days a week, and log their activity on their personal activity tracker for six weeks. The theme for the National President's Challenge 2008 is "A Healthier Nation: It's Everyone's Challenge." Register at www.presidentschallenge.org.
 
"As someone who enjoys bicycling, skiing and many other forms of recreation, I encourage all Coloradans to take part in the National President's Challenge," Gov. Ritter said. "Staying fit and getting plenty of exercise is vital to our overall health and wellness efforts. The President's Challenge is a perfect opportunity for people young and old to step up, get active and have fun." 
 
"People of all ages benefit from physical activity—including children, older adults, and people with disabilities," says Joe Nuñez, Regional Director for U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS). "We want to encourage all residents of Colorado to take the challenge and incorporate some type of physical activity into your day."
 
The National President's Challenge will kick-off on Thursday (March 20) and end May 15.  Participants can register for the Challenge through between now and April 3 at www.presidentschallenge.org. Participants can join as an individual or create a group with friends, neighbors, family and co-workers to exercise together.
 
"When you're moving you're improving and that counts to help our state win the Challenge," said Stacy Fowler, state coordinator for the National President's Challenge.
 
The Colorado Governor's Council for Physical Fitness and HHS plan to stage an event on April 17 promoting the Challenge, with more details to follow as they become available. 
 
For more information about the National President's Challenge, visit www.presidentschallenge.org.