3/25/2009
National Association of Health and Fitness Selects California for "Council of the Year" Honors
Golden State lauded for its leadership as the “nation’s fitness state”
Atlanta, GA – The National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF) named the California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports as 2008/2009 State Council of the Year tonight recognizing California’s leadership in promoting health and fitness as a model for the country.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, perhaps the nation’s leading proponent for physical activity and good nutrition thanked NAHF for the recognition and said,“I am very proud to accept this honor on behalf of the people of California. Under the leadership of Chairman Jake Steinfeld, our Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports has inspired over 500,000 Californians to accept my fitness challenge, encouraged more than three thousand doctors to begin prescribing exercise to their patients, and shined a spotlight on unsung heroes throughout the state who work tirelessly to help young people develop healthy lifestyles. I am especially proud that our Council has achieved its success by partnering with health-minded businesses and foundations, demonstrating once again the power that public-private partnerships can have in working toward a common goal.”
In announcing the Council of the Year award, Phil Haberstro, Executive Director of NAHF said, “Governor Schwarzenegger, Chairman Jake Steinfeld and the entire California Council have worked diligently to promote health and fitness for all Californians. Their creativity and passion for the well-being of children and adults is both commendable and inspiring.”
“Now is the time for all of us around the country to re-double our efforts and ensure that this generation of children doesn’t become the first in history to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents.” said Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the California Council. “My fellow Council members and I stand ready to work with leaders from other states to help make our country fitter and healthier than it has ever been.”
After seeing obesity rates rise to epidemic levels over the past quarter century, researchers have noticed that the steep climb in obesity appears to have leveled off in the past couple of years. Still the problems associated with overweight and obesity lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths and over $100 billion in health care costs a year.
Among the California Council’s specific initiatives cited by NAHF as contributing to its recognition are:
The National Association for Health and Fitness
The National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF) is a non-profit organization that exists to improve the quality of life for individuals in the United States through the promotion of physical fitness, sports and healthy lifestyles. NAHF accomplishes this work by fostering and supporting Governor’s and State Councils and coalitions that promote and encourages regular physical activity.
About the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
The California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting physical activity for all Californians with an emphasis on children and youth. Governor Schwarzenegger is the Honorary Chairman and Council members include Chairman Jake Steinfeld, Vice Chairman Peter Vidmar, and California sports legends such as Laila Ali, Tony Hawk, and Michelle Kwan. Founding sponsors are Applied Materials, Anthem Blue Cross Foundation and Kaiser Permanente. For more information visit www.CalGovCouncil.org