Washington, Oct 24, 2007 -  U.S. Representative John Carter (TX-31) announced today that Pershing Park Elementary School in Killeen has been named a “PCPFS State Champion” by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS).

“I am proud to represent the students and faculty at Pershing Park Elementary School,” Congressman Carter said. “Pershing Elementary is a role model for other schools because of their dedication to instill healthy lifestyles into students at an early age.”

The President’s challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program, available to the nation’s schools since 1966, offers presidential recognition and emblems for physical activity and fitness participation to young people, ages 6 to 17, of all abilities. The five assessments of the President’s Challenge Physical Fitness Test measure four components of physical fitness: a one-mile run/walk for heart and lung endurance; curl-ups for abdominal strength and endurance; a “sit and reach” stretch for muscular flexibility; pull-ups for upper body strength and endurance; and a shuttle run for agility.

Students who help their school earn this award by scoring at or above the 85^th percentile in all five components of the President’s Challenge receive an embroidered State Champion emblem and a certificate. For more information visit www.fitness.gov and www.presidentschallenge.org.