(Los Angeles – October 31, 2008) -- World Champion athlete and health and fitness advocate Laila Ali recently made her debut as a member of the California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Her inaugural duties included speaking to the student body of NEW Academy Canoga Park, and urging them to continue leading active and healthy lifestyles.
Ali recognized the charter school’s students for being Los Angeles Regional champions of the 2008 Governor’s Challenge Competition. In return, the young fitness stewards presented Ali a gold medal for completing the Live Like a Champion physical fitness circuit featured at the event. Live Like a Champion is a statewide mobile outreach program presented by the Governor’s Council and Anthem Blue Cross.
Ali joins other legendary sports figures on the California Governor’s Council which was established by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger three years ago to combat the state’s soaring obesity epidemic. The Governor’s Challenge Competition and the Live Like a Champion Tour are key Council initiatives that support the Council’s goal to get Californians of all ages more active.
“I am thrilled to join the Governor’s Council and take on another role that lets me continue to promote healthier lifestyles,” said Laila Ali. “The Governor’s Challenge and The Live Like a Champion Tour are great fitness initiatives that are inspiring kids to get active. Today, thanks to The Governor’s Council, Longs Drugs and Anthem Blue Cross, more than 400 kids got rewarded for wanting to be fit. To have been part of that celebration is a real honor!”
In recognition of the students’ documented commitment to physical fitness, Ali presented NEW Academy Canoga Park $5,000 for physical fitness equipment and $1000 for school supplies. The monetary awards were made possible by Longs Drugs.
Find out more about The Live Like a Champion Tour.
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