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Reston, VA, January 24, 2001 - Two time Olympic Gold
Medallist Dot Richardson urged Congress to "give boys and girls of this country quality
physical education programs so that they can be the best they can be." Speaking
yesterday to the Bi-Partisan Congressional School Health and Safety Caucus, the
orthopedic surgeon and member of the U.S. Softball Team at the Sydney and Atlanta
Olympic Games called herself a living reminder of the importance of physical education
and sport. "My dream of winning a gold medal would never have come true without the
opportunity in school to learn the skills of throwing, batting and running."
Dr. Janet Collins, deputy director, National Center for
Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, said "CDC's mission is to protect the health of the nation and a vast number
of people are now afflicted by heart disease, obesity and diabetes. School health
programs are a win/win solution because they play an essential role in helping to delay
and prevent chronic diseases. We must start young because the risk behaviors begin young
and we must educate not a few but everyone in the nation. That is why CDC is actively
investing in school health for all children."
Dr. Judith C. Young, executive director of the National
Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). said "the call for physical
education is clear. Healthy children learn better. Now we need legislation and policy on
the local, state and federal levels to bring it to fruition. " She reported that the
process has begun with the passage of the Physical Education for Progress Act and a
small but significant $5 million appropriation this fiscal year to support physical
education. "We now must have full funding, $400 million, for the PEP bill to help
improve physical education programs across the country," she added.
Brian Williams, government relations manager of the
American Heart Association, echoed those comments. "Physical education must play a role
in the education debate as well as increasing physical activity for all Americans." The
"Focus on Physical Activity, Physical Education and Obesity Prevention" briefing was
sponsored by the Bi-Partisan Congressional School Health and Safety Caucus which is
chaired by Representatives Lois Capps (D-CA) and Connie Morella (R-MD) as well as 26
leading national health and education non-governmental organizations.
Information about the National Association for Sport and
Physical Education (NASPE) can be found on the Internet at www.aahperd.org, the web site
of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD).
NASPE is the largest of AAHPERD's six national associations. A nonprofit membership
organization of over 25,000 professionals in the fitness and physical activity fields,
NASPE is the only national association dedicated to strengthening basic knowledge about
sport and physical education among professionals and the general public. Putting that
knowledge into action in schools and communities across the nation is critical to
improved academic performance, social reform and the health of individuals.
For more information, contact: Paula Keyes Kun (703)
476-3461; pkun@aahperd.org
Press Release from NASPE January 24, 2001
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