Press Release - HealthierUS Fitness Festival - May 2, 2005

Monday, May 2, 2005 — WASHINGTON , DC . The President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) hosted the HealthierUS Fitness Festival, a free public celebration of health, physical activity, and fitness on the National Mall. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael O. Leavitt joined PCPFS chairman Lynn Swann and members Denise Austin, Amanda Cromwell, Pam Danberg, and Danny Gable to celebrate the theme “Get America Moving” in May. President George W. Bush issued a proclamation designating May as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

The Harlem Globetrotters performed at a noon program and were available to meet the public and sign autographs throughout the festival. Sports and fitness experts from over 80 organizations exhibited and gave demonstrations of cardiovascular workouts, fitness dancing and other strength and conditioning activities on two stages. Other ongoing sports and activities included football (punt/pass/kick), soccer, rugby, snowshoeing, bicycling; new sports Tchoukball, Paddle Battle, and USFooty Kids; chair massages; the President’s Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards program; and walks/runs around the Mall.

Speakers at the noon ceremony included Secretary Leavitt http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2005pres/20050502.html; Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns; NFL Hall of Fame member and former Pittsburgh Steeler Swann (PCPFS chairman); PCPFS member and fitness expert Denise Austin; Cristina V. Beato, Acting Assistant Secretary for Health; Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona; National Park Service director Fran Mainella; HHS Office on Disability director Margaret Giannini; and PCPFS executive director Melissa Johnson. Also attending were Olympic gymnast Kerri Strug and NBC-4 weather anchor Veronica Johnson.

See schedule, exhibitors list, and text of a Presidential Proclamation for National Physical Fitness and Sports Month (May 2005).