Schwarzenegger Announces New California Council on Physical Fitness and Sports

Author: Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
Jun 11, 2005

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the launch of the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that will promote the health benefits of physical fitness, exercise and sports for all Californians. The Governor made his announcement at a "Get Active California Celebration" hosted by The Walt Disney Company at its Disney's California Adventure theme park.

Some of California's best-known celebrity athletes and business and community leaders have agreed to donate their time to serve on the Council. Among the Council Members present for today's announcement were U.S. Open champion Lindsay Davenport, baseball legend Reggie Jackson, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk, World Champion and Olympic medallist Michelle Kwan, Julie Foudy of the U.S. Olympic Gold Medal women's soccer team, exercise and fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne and U.S. Olympic Gold Medal gymnast Peter Vidmar. Disneyland Resort president Matt Ouimet hosted the event.

"Nowhere on earth will you find greater opportunities to lead healthy and active lifestyles than right here in California," Governor Schwarzenegger said. "With the new Active California program working in partnership with the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, we're going to do even more to improve the health and well-being of all Californians."

The Council's mission is to establish California as the nation's first "Fitness State" and to encourage all Californians to set -- and commit to achieve -- their personal exercise and fitness goals. As a first step, the Council is creating "ActiveCA," which challenges Californians to be physically active at least three days a week. Californians can join "ActiveCA" on the Web at www.ActiveCA.org, or by picking up applications at retail outlets, parks and schools throughout the state. When they register for the program, Californians can set their activity goals, track their progress and find fitness tips and challenges. Individuals who succeed in meeting a four-week activity challenge will be eligible to receive rewards from the Governor's Council.

At today's event, Governor Schwarzenegger stressed the importance of leading an active healthy lifestyle and encouraged Californians of all ages to join Team ActiveCA. The Governor also commended the private sector for its participation and support of the Council. The Council was created as a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan, nonprofit organization and has received generous support from American Media, Inc., Applied Materials, Inc., The Blue Cross of California Foundation, Pfizer and The Walt Disney Company.

The Council's launch was designed to highlight everyday activities that are fun, easy to do and accessible to everyone. At today's event, Californians participated in a variety of fitness activities and were entertained by actor Marques Houston, singer Omarion and many of Disney's most famous and well-loved characters, including a performance of Disney's "Block Party Bash" featuring the Pixar Pals.

For more information about the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, please go to www.ActiveCA.org.

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