Is this the same program I remember from my childhood?
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports was created in 1956 when President Eisenhower initiated the first testing program. In 1966 President Johnson established the Presidential Physical Fitness Award to recognize youth who achieved high levels of fitness. Though it has changed slightly through the decades, this testing program continues to be a gold standard in assessing fitness levels.

Do I need to be a P.E. teacher or student to participate in the President's Challenge?
The President's Challenge is no longer just for P.E. class! The sedentary nature of most Americans made it essential for the President's Challenge to introduce programs that would motivate people of all ages to get moving. The Presidential Active Lifestyle Awards program is perfect for those who are just beginning their commitment to physical fitness and requires daily physical activity. The Presidential Champions program adds a bit of a challenge by requiring individuals to accumulate points based on the intensity and duration of activity.

What are the requirements for administering the President's Challenge Physical Fitness Test in my school?
Though many P.E. teachers use the fitness test in their classes, the President's Challenge does not require that those administering the program be certified to teach. Anyone can administer the testing as long as they are done in accordance with our guidelines, which can be found on www.presidentschallenge.org, in our brochure, and on our informational DVD. In addition, the President's Challenge encourages teachers and others administering the testing events to use discretion and make appropriate modifications when testing individuals with disabilities.

How can I get my community involved?
Individuals who want to increase the physical activity level of community members are welcome to use the President's Challenge creatively. For instance, one community center in Arkansas has computers dedicated to logging participants' activities online and has received local media attention because of the community-wide effort and subsequent awards ceremony. The South Bend Tribune in Indiana launched a community-wide effort to promote regular physical activity through participation in the President's Challenge. With a little bit of effort, the President's Challenge programs can help any willing community become more physically active.




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