Overview
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports conducts programs and campaigns that emphasize the importance of regular physical activity, fitness and sports participation for children, adults, seniors and persons with disabilities. Through its programs, partnerships, publications and Web sites (fitness.gov and PresidentsChallenge.org), the Council strives to promote daily moderate physical activity for disease prevention and health, vigorous physical activity for fitness and added health benefits, and sports participation including the values of sportsmanship.

History
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports was first established as the President's Council on Youth Fitness, on July 16, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower after the President learned the results of a report indicating that American children were less fit than European youth. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy changed the name of the Council to the President's Council on Physical Fitness, expanded the mandate to all Americans as well as youth, and clarified the purpose and function of the Council. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson broadened the Council's mission to include sports and changed the name to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Council Members
The PCPFS is made up of 20 distinguished citizens who serve on a volunteer basis at the request of the President. The Council members serve as an inspiration for a more active lifestyle through personal and professional example. They speak at and participate in sporting events, provide recommendations related to the planning and implementation of physical activity and fitness programs, visit schools and serve as fitness ambassadors to spotlight the benefits of physical activity, fitness and sports. Lynn Swann, former wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, serves as the current Chairman of the Council. See Council Biographies for more information on all Council members.

Programs
The President's Council initiates and administers programs, often in partnership with other groups, which reach individual people in schools, homes, workplaces and communities. Programs include the cornerstone "President's Challenge" which offers Americans of all ages and abilities the chance to earn a variety of Presidential awards. In addition, the PCPFS sponsors the annual National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in May; publishes quarterly PCPFS Research Digests which spotlight the latest information on physical activity, fitness and exercise science; coordinates a variety of national school demonstration and award programs and monitors the nation's progress in improving the physical activity and fitness objectives of both Healthy People 2010, a national health promotion and disease prevention initiative, and the physical activity component of a Healthier U.S.


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