Nike chief executive Mark Parker will join First Lady Michelle Obama to make an announcement next Thursday in Chicago to make a major announcement to bring physical activity back to schools. According to a press briefing, the First Lady will also be joined by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Dominique Dawes, Gabby Douglas, Allyson Felix, Bob Harper, Bo Jackson, Colin Kaepernick, Sarah Reinertsen, Paul Rodriguez, Serena Williams, and a surprise musical guest.
Thousands of Chicago area teachers and students will also attend the event hosted by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
According to the press release, studies show that kids need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day to stay healthy, but theyre spending an average of 7 or more hours a day in front of a screen, and only 1 in 3 kids is active daily. In addition to the health benefits of an active lifestyle, research indicates that regular physical activity can improve test scores, classroom behavior and attendance. Yet, only 4% of elementary schools, 8 percent of middle schools and 2 percent of high schools currently offer daily P.E. and only 9 states require recess in elementary schools. Kids spend about half their time in schools, and the First Lady will call on leaders to work together to support schools efforts to ensure that all kids get the physical activity they need to stay healthy and succeed in school.
This event will be open to the press.
