SFIA announced that Herschel Walker , Carl Lewis and Tommy John are among the numerous athletes that will be attending its 18th annual National Health Through Fitness Day in Washington, D.C.
The event takes place on Wednesday, March 22 on Capitol Hill.
The celebrity attendees include Herschel Walker, Heisman Trophy winner and football legend; Carl Lewis, nine-time Olympic track and field gold medalist; Tommy John, 4x MLB All Star; Steve Garvey, World Series champion, National League MVP, 10-time All-Star; Pat LaFontaine, member, NHL Hall of Fame; Abbey D’Agostino, 2016 Olympic Track & Field Athlete; Ken Harvey, 4x NFC Pro Bowl linebacker; Justin Forsett, NFL running back; Bobby Boswell, U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team & D.C. United player; Danny Musico, former world super middleweight champion; Katie Holloway, gold medalist, U.S. sitting volleyball paralympic team; Roman Oben, Super Bowl champion, NFL director of youth & high school football; and John Booty, retired NFL defensive back.
“This is the most exciting day of the year for the health and wellness of all Americans,” said Walker. “I’ve worked with the SFIA to promote active lifestyles for nearly two decades because I believe in the goodness of their cause and look forward to joining my fellow advocates in meetings with Congress next week.”
The event brings together influential sports celebrities with industry executives and sports and fitness experts to meet with legislators to advocate for sports and active lifestyle policies. Passing the PHIT Act and continued support for physical education in schools are this year’s priorities. Peyton Manning, Alexander Ovechkin, Gary Player and Kerri Walsh have all participated.
“We are incredibly honored to have such strong attendance from legendary athletes every year,” said Tom Cove, SFIA president and CEO. “With the PHIT Act about to be considered in Congress, these superstars giving time to the cause sends a perfect signal about the importance of physical activity in America.”
“I was inspired to become an athlete by the people of character in my life who modeled physical activity as a lifestyle,” said D’Agostino, 2016 Olympic Track & Field Athlete. “The PHIT Act plays an integral part in cultivating holistic wellness and character in the next generation.”
The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, National Sporting Goods Association, the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Recreation and Parks Association, Pop Warner Football, the American Council for Exercise, the National Football League, the Cooper Institute, the American League of Bicyclists, the National Hockey League, the Yoga Alliance and the Outdoor Industry Association will be among the organizations participating in National Health Through Fitness Day on March 22.
To attend National Health Through Fitness Day 2017, register here.
If you are unable to attend, but would like to help pass the PHIT Act, click here to send a letter to your member of Congress.
Photo courtesy SFIA
