SFIA Celebrates Landmark 18th Annual National Health Through Fitness Day On Capitol Hill

A groundswell of bi-partisan support behind the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act reached an all-time high following conclusion of Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s premier advocacy event, according to the organization.

National Health Through Fitness Day is the culmination of a year-round effort by the SFIA and its many sponsors and volunteers to pass major U.S. legislation to “Get America Moving.” This year a broad coalition of supporters, including celebrity athletes ranging from NFL pros to Olympians, held 100 meetings with more than 120 U.S. Senators and Representatives to discuss the importance of the PHIT Act.

“For 18 years, this event has brought influential celebrities, industry executives and sports & fitness experts together with Congress to discuss active lifestyle policies,” said Tom Cove, President and CEO of SFIA. “Having overwhelming bi-partisan backing, the PHIT Act highlights the importance of physical activity in America and is closer than ever to passage.”

The PHIT Act, if passed, would change current Federal tax law to allow consumers to use pre-tax medical accounts to pay for expenses related to sports, fitness and other qualified physical activities. Celebrity athletes articulated the significance of the PHIT Act initiative throughout their Congressional meetings and the momentum surrounding the PHIT Act was palpable.

“Our goal was to discuss with Congressional leaders important details for Americans to achieve living a healthy lifestyle,” said Abbey D’Agostino, 2016 Olympic Track and Field athlete. “The important roll physical fitness plays for the future of this nation is largely tied to the PHIT Act.”

“As we celebrate National Health Through Fitness Day, I’m encouraged by the PHIT Act’s support expressed during all our legislative meetings,” said Roman Oben, Super Bowl Champion, NFL Director of Youth & Hight School Football. “As a parent, I have witnessed first-hand how obesity has plagued this nation and now is the ideal time for the government to take action and help solve this epidemic.”