What Laila Had to Say:
"With everything I do, I try to be the best, which is one reason (among many!) I partnered with the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness & Sport.  Last week the Council was recognized by the National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF) as the 2008/2009 State Council of the Year for its leadership in promoting health and fitness as a model for the country.  I would like to thank the Council and all of its staff for its continued commitment in promoting health and fitness for all Californians, especially among our youth."

Atlanta, GA – The National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF) named the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports as 2008/2009 State Council of the Year tonight recognizing California's leadership in promoting health and fitness as a model for the country.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, perhaps the nation's leading proponent for physical activity and good nutrition thanked NAHF for the recognition and said, "I am very proud to accept this honor on behalf of the people of California. Under the leadership of Chairman Jake Steinfeld, our Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports has inspired over 500,000 Californians to accept my fitness challenge, encouraged more than three thousand doctors to begin prescribing exercise to their patients, and shined a spotlight on unsung heroes throughout the state who work tirelessly to help young people develop healthy lifestyles. I am especially proud that our Council has achieved its success by partnering with health-minded businesses and foundations, demonstrating once again the power that public-private partnerships can have in working toward a common goal."

In announcing the Council of the Year award, Phil Haberstro, Executive Director of NAHF said, "Governor Schwarzenegger, Chairman Jake Steinfeld and the entire California Council have worked diligently to promote health and fitness for all Californians.  Their creativity and passion for the well-being of children and adults is both commendable and inspiring."

"Now is the time for all of us around the country to re-double our efforts and ensure that this generation of children doesn't become the first in history to have a shorter life expectancy than their parents." said Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the California Council.  "My fellow Council members and I stand ready to work with leaders from other states to help make our country fitter and healthier than it has ever been."

After seeing obesity rates rise to epidemic levels over the past quarter century, researchers have noticed that the steep climb in obesity appears to have leveled off in the past couple of years.

Still the problems associated with overweight and obesity lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths and over $100 billion in health care costs a year.

Among the California Council's specific initiatives cited by NAHF as contributing to its recognition are: The Governor's Challenge -  For the past several years Governor Schwarzenegger has challenged Californians to be active 30-60 minutes a day, at least three days a week for a month.  Through the Governor's Challenge, presented by General Mills, Californians have already recorded more than 3 million days of physical activity this year.   Individuals accepting the Challenge qualify for free passes to 24 Hour Fitness and free lift tickets at Mammoth Mountain.  The Governor's Challenge Competition is a contest among all k-12 schools in the state, top school prizes include three $100,000 fitness centers donated by Anthem Blue Cross Foundation with support from iTECH Fitness.  Eleven Regional Awards of $5,000 each and thirty-three Front Runner awards of $1,000 are made possible by CVS/pharmacy.

The Spotlight Awards – The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Spotlight Awards presented by Anthem Blue Cross Foundation provides gold, silver and bronze medals and awards of up to $10,000 to individuals, organizations and events that inspire California children to be more physically active and fit.  Governor Schwarzenegger attends the annual spotlight award ceremony and has personally presented gold medals to the Spotlight Award winners.  In 2008 the Council awarded more than $400,000 in Spotlight Award prizes.  It received 600 nominations for awards across seven categories: School of the Year, Principal of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Parent Association of the Year, Park and Recreation Program of the Year, Non-Profit Organization of the Year, and Event of the Year.

Activity Guide – The Governor's Council Activity Guide, sponsored by CVS/pharmacy provides Californians with an on-line listing, by zip code, of parks, sporting activities and organizations where people can go to be physically active in their communities.

Exercise is Medicine – A national initiative started by the Governor's Council in conjunction with the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Association, this initiative encourages physicians to prescribe exercise to patients who would benefit from being more physically fit.  In 2008, over 3,400 California physicians pledged their support for this initiative and began prescribing physical activity to patients who would benefit from being more active.

Live Like a Champion Tour – This mobile community outreach effort sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross engages California youth in fun physical activities and inspires them to develop healthy habits.  The tour targets its outreach to low-income communities and visits schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs and other locations throughout the state.  In 2008 the tour directly engaged over 80,000 tweens with its positive message.

The 4th Annual California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Spotlight Awards presented by the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation will once again honor individuals, organizations and events that positively impact the physical activity and fitness levels of California's children and youth.