GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL ON PHYSICAL FITNESS MEMBERS VISIT SCHOOLS TO GATHER INFORMATION FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
October 12, 2007
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TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced that appointees to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness will visit elementary schools throughout the state during October to learn first-hand about the implementation of the statewide physical education (P.E.) legislation, requiring 150 minutes of physical education each week, or an average of 30 minutes each day in grades K-5. The information Council members gather will shape their recommendations that are due to the Governor, the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate on December 1, 2007.
“Physical fitness and recreation are vital to a healthy, meaningful and productive life,” said Governor Crist. “Physical fitness classes can help Florida’s children and young people learn that a healthy lifestyle can be fun and beneficial and increase the likelihood that they make those activities part of a lifelong active lifestyle.”
The council’s student representative member, Robert Keiser, kicked off the members’ visits by going to Floranada Elementary School in Broward County. Accompanied by Principal Brian Kohli, Keiser observed the school’s options for a healthy lunch and snacks as well as opportunities for physical education and activity. Keiser, 17, is a senior at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale and founder and chair of the Legislative Advisory Teen Council under the Broward Days organization. The teen council advocates on behalf of Florida teens concerning physical fitness and obesity prevention, mentoring and advocacy in government and safe schools.
In May, Governor Crist signed legislation that ensures public-school elementary students receive physical education. The goal is to help young students have good experiences with physical activity so they will choose a lifelong active lifestyle. Instruction can include dance and focuses on strength, agility, flexibility, movement, stamina, teamwork, fair play and nutrition.
“The Governor has afforded us a unique opportunity to gather information,” said Derrick Brooks, Council chair and linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “Our statewide plan will address 19 recommendations provided by the Governor, so I want to learn everything, from what our children are eating, to how innovative our schools are in providing P.E.”
The Council on Physical Fitness was established by executive order on March 26, 2007. The Council consists of 20 committed individuals representing a broad spectrum of interested parties, including schools, health care providers, advocates for senior citizens and persons with special needs and corporate, state and government sectors.
“The Council is dedicated to reducing the number of Floridians suffering from chronic diseases resulting from obesity,” said Shannon Miller, council co-chair and former gymnast and Olympic Gold Medalist. “On-site school visits will allow each Council member to learn from some of our state’s most valuable resources, children and teachers.”
Additional information regarding the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, including meeting dates and times, can be found at www.healthyfloridians.org.