Sample Press Release

For more information, contact:
Your Name (email) (phone number)

May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month

May 1-7 is National Physical Education and Sport Week

CALLING FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENTS

May 2007 – “Healthy, physically active kids learn better!” That is the key message (your name), physical education teacher at (name of your school) wants to express in honor of May: National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. However, to achieve that goal the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) urges parents, schools and communities to work together to help children become more physically active by creating “physical activity friendly” environments.

“Children and adolescents should spend at least 60 minutes every day in a variety of moderate to vigorous physical activities,” says Your Name. “In order to achieve that level of activity, we need to find more opportunities for children to be physically active throughout the entire day. Maintaining healthy bodies is not only vital for physical well-being, but for mental and emotional development as well.”

Quality physical education is the cornerstone in developing an active lifestyle. Quality physical education can help students to be more active, more fit, and achieve better academically. In addition to physical education, a physical activity friendly environment will include schools providing extracurricular physical activity programs, especially inclusive, intramural programs and physical activity clubs (e.g. dance, hiking, yoga) that (1) feature a diverse selection of competitive and noncompetitive, structured and unstructured activities, (2) meet the needs and interests of all students with a wide range of abilities, particularly those with limited interests or skills in traditional athletic activities, and (3) emphasize participation and enjoyment without pressure. In addition, walking and biking to school, a before school physical activity break, recess, and a physical activity break at lunch will be a part of this new environment.

Extended day and after school programs also provide an important opportunity to incorporate physical activity into programs that typically focus on crafts, movies, board games and homework. After school programs have a unique opportunity to increase physical activity and positive social interactions among children and youth. By allowing the kids to participate and hone their skills in active games, they not only gain the opportunity to succeed and get fit, but practice the skills that can help them succeed in organized sports and activities that encourage interest in regular participation outside of the program.

In summary, to get children more physically active, parents, schools and communities must establish infrastructure and a “physical activity friendly” environment. These include:

• Implement quality physical education programs in all schools.
• Make school facilities available in the non-school hours (6-8 am, 5-11 pm) seven days a week, year-round
• Create safe and well-lit walking paths and fitness courses on school grounds and other public areas
• Monitor and restrict sedentary activities such as television, movies, web surfing and computer games.
• Implement special family activities that involve physical activity (in-line skating, bike rodeos, family fitness nights)
• Provide before school and after school programs that include physical activity opportunities
• Offer physical activity programs for school staff
• Expand positive athletic opportunities for all students
• Provide appropriate playgrounds and recess for elementary school age children
• Encourage schools to promote physical activity opportunities that attract and serve all students (especially non-athletes).

Parents and other significant adults (teachers, coaches, etc) should model physically active lifestyles. Parents/guardians need to be aware of the school and community resources that they can choose from to assist children in learning to lead healthy, active lifestyles. All of us must advocate for, take responsibility and seek accountability for physical activity in the education of ALL children and youth.

The preeminent national authority on physical education and a recognized leader in sport and physical activity, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) is a non-profit professional membership association that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport. NASPE’s 17,000 members include: K-12 physical education teachers, coaches, athletic directors, athletic trainers, sport management professionals, researchers, and college/university faculty who prepare physical activity professionals. NASPE seeks to enhance knowledge, improve professional practice, and increase support for high quality physical education, sport and physical activity programs through research, development of standards, and dissemination of information. It is the largest of the five national associations that make the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD). To assess whether your child is receiving a quality physical education program, visit www.naspeinfo.org/observePE for an observation assessment tool.

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