The President's Challenge

11/12/2008
Certificates with Presidential Signature
Certificates and other award items with the signature of the new President will be available as soon as White House approval has been obtained following President-elect Obama’s inauguration on January 20, 2009. Any orders placed before this date will be sent certificates with the current President unless otherwise noted on the order. We will do our best to have the new certificates available as quickly as possible and we appreciate your understanding during this transition process.

10/27/2008
General Mills Sponsorship
General Mills Community Action will once again be sponsoring low socioeconomic status schools to receive Presidential Active Lifestyle Awards free of charge this school year. The President's Challenge will list the school on their website as a General Mills Challenge School. For more information on how your school can apply for this sponsorship, please download the application form.

10/07/2008
Physical Activity Guidelines
New guidelines to promote physical activity were released today by the Department of Health and Human Services. The Physical Activity Guidelines summarize the latest knowledge about activity and health, with depth and flexibility targeting specific population subgroups, such as seniors and children.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans are the most comprehensive of their kind. They are based on the first thorough review of scientific research about physical activity and health in more than a decade. A 13-member advisory committee appointed in April 2007 by Secretary Leavitt reviewed research and produced an extensive report. Key guidelines are available for the following groups:

Children and Adolescents
Adults
Older adults
Women during pregnancy
Adults with disabilities
People with chronic medical conditions

To read more about the Physical Activity Guidelines please read the Physical Activity Guidelines Press Release or visit http://www.health.gov/PAGuidelines/.

10/01/2008
2007-08 State Champions
On October 1, 2008 we announced the state champions for the school year of 2007-08. The state champions program rewards the top schools in each state based on their enrollment size. To read about this year's winners, visit http://www.presidentschallenge.org/educators/school_recognition/state_champs_07_08.aspx . Please let us know via email if you have any questions regarding the state champion program.

9/1/2008
New Program Information Available
The new 2008-09 President's Challenge Program Manual is now available. Educators should be receiving a printed copy via mail by the end of September. You can also get a pdf version by visiting our downloads page at http://www.presidentschallenge.org/misc/downloads.aspx . Please let us know via email if you do not receive a copy and would like to be put on our mailing list.

09/01/2008
New Merchandise Now Available!
For the first time ever the President's Challenge will be offering Presidential, National and Participant Physical Fitness Award emblems with a year on them. These emblems are a great way for students and parents to commemorate the year in which they earned an award. Also, we are now offering a Sit & Reach Box, and Fitness Score Pads to track student scores. To order these items, please visit our Online Order Center at https://www.presidentschallenge.org/order_center/index.aspx.

08/26/2008
The America Supports You Freedom Walk
The America Supports You Freedom Walk calls on people to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, to honor our veterans and first responders and renew our commitment to freedom. Last year 255 communities participated in this new national tradition begun in 2005. Every state was represented, along with eight nations overseas. Walks are of every size and shape and occur on or around September 11. If you would like to organize or participate in a walk in your school, your neighborhood or your community, please visit www.AmericaSupportsYou.mil/freedomwalk.

07/30/2008
PC phasing out #1-12 Presidential Emblems
Beginning in the fall of 2008, the President's Challenge will no longer offer the numbered Presidential Physical Fitness Award emblems (#1-12). We suggest stocking up now if you would like to continue handing these out. Once they are gone, they're gone!

Visit our online order center at https://www.presidentschallenge.org/order_center/index.aspx. to order now or give us a call at 1-800-258-8146.

05/14/2008
Adult Fitness Test
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sport recently launched a fitness test for those over the age of 18 to test their physical fitness at http://www.adultfitnesstest.org. The Adult Fitness Test is similar to the Physical Fitness Test offered for children between the ages of 6 and 17. The Adult Fitness Test examines the following health related fitness components:

Aerobic Fitness - ability of the heart and lungs to deliver blood to muscles. This activity is tested with a 1 Mile Walk or a 1.5 Mile Run.
Muscular Strength and Endurance - enough to do normal activities easily and protect the lower back. This activity is tested with the Half Sit-Up and Push-Ups.
Flexibility - ability to move your many joints through their proper range of motion. This activity is tested with the Sit and Reach test.
Body Composition - not too much body fat, especially around the waist. This activity is tested with Body Mass Index (BMI).

The activities featured on this adult fitness test are provided as a way for you to get an estimate of your level of aerobic fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and your body composition. The results on each test provide you with a measure from which you can track your progress in each area as you become more physically active.

Each participant can enter their data online at http://www.adultfitnesstest.org/dataEntry.aspx, and upon successfully completing, each participant will receive a FITT score. The FITT score will provide each participant methods to improve in Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type of activities.

For more information, please read the Adult Fitness Test Booklet.

05/14/2008
National Challenge Completion
With the National Challenge concluding on May 15, we first wanted to thank all of our participants, and remind them to continue logging after May 15. The President's Challenge has offered the Champions and Active Lifestyle program since 2003, and it will continue to offer these programs after May 15. The National Challenge was an eight week competition amongst states that will end on May 15, but for all those who registered for the National Challenge, you will still have your account, and are encouraged to continue logging.

Also, for those participants that successfully completed the challenge, the National Challenge Certificate is available for download.

05/01/2008
Ordering Student Awards
With the school year wrapping up, we are currently entering our busiest time here at President’s Challenge. A brief reminder for teachers that award orders take 18 calendar days to process. Our order policy is that you should receive your order within 18 calendar days of the original date the order was received at our office. At this time of year, many of the teachers are trying to order their awards, and teachers should consider ordering as early as possible to ensure on time arrival. Your order can be rushed for $25.00 or 25% of the subtotal, whichever is greater. This will ensure that you receive your package within 4 business days. If you would like to place an order by phone call 1-800-258-8146, fax your order to 812-855-8999, place it online at https://www.presidentschallenge.org/order_center/index.aspx, or mail it to the address below. As a reminder, we are unable to ship orders to P.O. boxes, please provide us with a physical address to ensure prompt shipping.

President's Challenge
501 N. Morton Street, Suite 203
Bloomington, IN 47404

President's Challenge Order Form: https://www.presidentschallenge.org/pdf/order_form.pdf

04/30/2008
End of School Year Pedometer Discounts
In order to make room for new pedometer models in the 2007-08 school year, we are reducing the prices of our current pedometers, the President’s Challenge AE2790 Pedometer and the StepLinq. These prices will be effective until supplies run out so please hurry!

NEW - President’s Challenge AE2790 Pedometer
Stylish, ultra thin pedometer counts steps, distance walked, calories burned, clock and automatic activity timer. The 2790 features an easy to read oversized display. A great way for youth and adults to keep track of more than just steps. Includes safety leash and comes individually packaged.

Regular Price = $15.00
Sale Price = $9.95

StepLinq
A basic pedometer that counts the number of steps completed. This pedometer includes a recessed reset button and a belt clip. Battery and instructions are included.

Regular Price = $12.00
Sale Price = $7.95

Please click here to visit the order center.

04/26/2008
Westbriar Elementary School takes the President's Challenge!
May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. This year, Westbriar Elementary School PTA and students join the President's Challenge, a program of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, to challenge Americans to get moving for health and to get and stay active and fit during May.

Westbriar students challenge you to get fit with them. They have set a goal to walk/run 6500 miles by May 30th. They need your help to achieve this goal. We ask the community to join the 1st Westbriar President's Challenge 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Run on May 10th at 8:00 am. Starting line: 1741 Pine Valley Drive Vienna, VA 22182. It is a community fitness day with post race prizes, entertainment, and refreshments provided by our inaugural sponsors SAIC and Whole Foods. Old athletic shoes will also be collected to recycle for playground surfaces.

To register: www.fcps.edu/WestbriarES/parentscomm.htm#top.

03/20/2008
National Challenge Press Conference
At 1:00 EST, President George W. Bush held a press conference at the White House East Garden in honor of the National President's Challenge. During his speech, he was joined by the members of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and he discussed the benefits of physical fitness in daily life. President Bush also explained how to register, and participate in the National Challenge. The video and transcript of his speech can be found at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/03/20080320-9.html.

03/14/2008
Childhood Obesity Prevention Program and Policy
Nominations Requested!
We are seeking nominations for programs or policies that fall into the following 4 areas: 1) Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs; 2) After school or Daycare programs or policies; 3) Access to healthier foods in supermarkets/convenience stores/restaurants; and 4) Land Use and Transportation Policies/Projects for Physical Activity

As the search for answers to effectively address childhood obesity continues, organizations and communities across the country are experimenting with various strategies aimed at changing children's environments to reduce the incidence of obesity. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are undertaking a 2-year collaborative project to identify and assess local-level programs and policies that have been implemented with apparent notable success to improve the eating habits and physical activity levels of children. Macro International Inc. serves as the coordinating center for the project.

The goal of this project is to conduct evaluability assessments, which are "pre" evaluations to determine if a program is promising and ready for a more rigorous full evaluation.

A nominated program or policy that is chosen by our Expert Panel will receive an evaluability assessment, which consists of a 3-day site visit where trained project staff assess program implementation, data collection, and intended program outcomes. As part of the site visit, a limited amount of on-site technical assistance will be provided to each site.

In order to submit an application, please read the following document: EA Program Nomination Form.

The submission deadline is Monday, March 31, 2008.

If you have questions or you are unable to open the attachment please contact Nicola Dawkins.
Email: nicola.u.dawkins@macrointernational.com
Phone: 404-321-3211
Fax: 404-321-3688

03/05/2008
New President's Council Awards
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is pleased to announce the creation of two new awards, the Lifetime Achievement Award (LAA) (http://www.fitness.gov/about_lifetime_award.htm) and the Community Leadership Award (CLA) (http://www.fitness.gov/about_community_award.htm) . These awards were established by the Council to recognize the countless contributions many Americans have made to promote or enhance physical activity, fitness, or sports in this country. With a focus on recognizing individuals who have made a national impact, the LAA serves to thank men and women who have dedicated their lives and their careers to improving the health of individuals and groups nationwide. Up to six LAAs will be presented each year.

02/22/2008
Healthy People 2020
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion of HHS will host regional meetings for input to Healthy People 2020. The intended audiences for these meetings include:

State and Local Health Departments
Academic Institutions
Professional Associations
Public and Private Health Organizations
Public Sectors: Business, Faith, Non-Profits
General Public

We encourage you and your partners to attend the regional meeting that is most convenient in the following cities:

For additional information please go to, you can read the Healthy People 2020 Fact Sheet or go to http://www.healthypeople.gov/hp2020/default.asp.

02/20/2008
First Science Partnership Session at AAHPERD Convention:
1958-2008 – Fifty Years of Youth Fitness Testing
An exciting program is scheduled for Friday, April 11th at the 2008 American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance National Convention and Exposition in Fort Worth, Texas. This year marks the 50th anniversary of publication of the AAHPER Youth Fitness Test and AAHPER(D) has played a significant role in youth fitness assessment throughout this time. Hosted by the AAHPERD Research Consortium, this program is being presented through the AAHPERD/PCPFS Science Partnership and is open to all registered attendees. The session will include a research-based overview of youth fitness testing for the past half century, focusing on test development, batteries, decisions, items, and cultural and scientific influences. Presenters include representatives from AAHPERD, the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and The Cooper Institute. Past national leaders, scientists, researchers, developers, teachers, and users of youth fitness assessments are invited to participate in the reflections and open discussion of youth physical fitness testing history in the U.S. Complete convention registration and program information is available at: www.aahperd.org/convention.

01/11/2008
Healthy Kids Grants
Do not miss your opportunity to apply for the Champions for Healthy Kids Grants, a partnership of the General Mills Foundation, the American Dietetic Association Foundation and the President's Challenge.

Fifty grants of $10,000 each will be made to schools, community groups and other non-profit organizations with innovative programs aimed at improving the nutrition and activity habits of young people. The involvement of a registered dietitian or dietetics technician, registered, is a requirement for each program.

The 2008 Champions for Healthy Kids grant application is available online at: http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/commitment/champions.aspx. The application deadline is January 15, 2008; grants will be awarded in May 2008.

If you have specific questions regarding this grants program, please contact Beth Labrador at the American Dietetic Association Foundation.

Beth Labrador
American Dietetic Association Foundation
120 South Riverside Plaza
Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606

Phone: (800) 877-1600
Office: (312) 899-4821
blabrador@eatright.org
http://www.adaf.org

01/03/2008
Winter Trails Day
With temperatures dipping and snow falling in many parts of the country, organizers of Winter Trails are gearing up for the annual event that offers children and adults new to snow sports an opportunity to try snowshoeing and/or cross country skiing FREE at participating venues throughout the U.S. Winter Trails Day is Saturday, January 12, 2008.

To read more about Winter Trails Day, you can view the following information:

10/30/2007
Carolina Turkey President's Challenge
We recently partnered with Carolina Turkey to develop the Carolina Turkey President's Challenge. The program was designed for consumers and associates of Carolina Turkey who are interested in finding new activities to live a healthier lifestyle. To register for the Carolina Turkey President's Challenge, visit the following site: http://www.carolinaturkey.presidentschallenge.org/.

Please contact us via email or telephone if you have any questions regarding the program.

10/04/2007
New Program Information Available
The new 2007-08 President's Challenge Program Manual is now available. Check out the active and exciting them of the brochure and poster this year guaranteed to get everyone excited about being physically active. Educators should be receiving a printed copy via mail by the end of September. You can also get a pdf version by visiting our downloads page at http://www.presidentschallenge.org/misc/downloads.aspx . Please let us know via email if you do not receive a copy and would like to be put on our mailing list.

10/01/2007
2006-07 State Champions
On October 1, 2007 we announced the state champions for the school year of 2006-07. The state champions program rewards the top schools in each state based on their enrollment size. To read about this year's winners, visit http://www.presidentschallenge.org/educators/school_recognition/state_champs_06_07.aspx . Please let us know via email if you have any questions regarding the state champion program.

03/12/2007
Special Announcement for Teachers
Thank you for taking the time to visit the President’s Challenge website. Recently we sent out a postcard as a friendly reminder to you that spring is here and it’s time to get your students moving. The President’s Challenge is a great way to motivate them to be physically active and fit. By utilizing one of our four programs – physical fitness, health fitness, active lifestyle, or presidential champions – your students can meet the President’s Challenge. Please download the special announcement.

01/22/2007
The 2007 HealthierFeds Physical Activity Challenge is here!
The Office of Personnel Management is teaming with the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to host a HealthierFeds Physical Activity Challenge. Participants will be federal agency staffs from the 3 branches of the Federal Government, retirees and family members of the employees. A contestant must choose between the Active Lifestyle program (30 minutes a day, 5 days a week of moderate activity, or the Presidential Champion program (regular vigorous activity). The challenge is a fun way for participants to start or continue physical activity that fits their lifestyle, and helps their agency become a HealthierFeds champion! The Challenge also encourages a spirit of "healthy" competition by tracking agencies according to the levels of employee participation over the entire competition period. The challenge begins January 22nd and continues through March 18th. For more information about The Challenge visit http://www.opm.gov/healthierfeds/ or email your questions to worklife@opm.gov

Special Note to HealthierFed Participants: If you already have a Challenge account, or you registered before the January 22 start date, you may need to manually add your Group ID# to ensure that you join the right group. For information on how to obtain your Group ID# and add yourself to your group please get in touch with your HealthierFeds Point of Contact (POC) for your department. If you do not know your POC please email healthierfeds@hhs.gov. For instructions on joining a group, please click here.

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