White House and Sports Leagues Boost U.S. Exercise Initiatives

Promoting Health and Wellness: Major Sports Leagues Join White House Effort

Major sports leagues and players’ associations, including the NFL and PGA Tour, have pledged their commitment to the White House. They’re promising to offer more opportunities for the public to engage in physical activity, gain nutritional knowledge, and embrace healthier lifestyles.

White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities

The leagues and associations are involved in a significant initiative, the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities, as announced by the White House. This challenge, launched in response to the 2022 White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, calls for substantial commitments towards achieving the goal of eradicating hunger and reducing diet-related diseases by 2030.

Addressing the Public Health Crisis

The husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, Doug Emhoff, stated that the prevalence and resulting fatalities of obesity and Type 2 diabetes in the U.S. are “simply unacceptable.” To help address this critical public health issue, he noted that the sports leagues have made a significant contribution.

Working with the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition

The leagues have collaborated with the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition to promote a healthier lifestyle. This advisory body, co-chaired by renowned chef Jose Andres and WNBA player Elena Delle Donne, is dedicated to encouraging healthy eating and physical activity.

A Look at the Specific Commitments

The sports leagues have made tangible commitments towards promoting health and wellness. The NFL, for instance, will expand PLAY60, its national wellness program that motivates young people to commit at least 60 minutes a day to physical activity. Moreover, the NFL will emphasize the role of nutrition in its program messaging.

In similar efforts, the NBA and WNBA will continue creating new programs and events emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet and physical activity to younger audiences. This includes activities at the upcoming All-Star Game in Indianapolis. Other leagues like the NHL, MLB, MLS, and NWSL have also pledged similar commitments.