FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Professional Athletes, Physical Education Teachers and Students Will Showcase PEP in Action on Wednesday, March 10 (12-2 pm)

RESTON, VA, March 9, 2010 – Professional athletes, physical education teachers, sporting goods manufacturers and students, united by the fear that today's children may not outlive their parents, are joining forces on Wednesday, March 10, 12 to 1 pm and 1 to 2 pm, Capitol Hill Visitors Center, Room HVC-210, to demonstrate to members of Congress the value and benefits of funding $100 million in FY 2011 Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grants. Due to another event at the Capitol Hill Visitors Center, participants must enter through the Cannon House Office Building at Independence and New Jersey Ave., S.E.

      Organized by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and HOPSports Training Systems, the PEP grant demonstrations will be held during the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA's) National Health Through Fitness Day. Herschel Walker (football), Steve Garvey (baseball), Nick Bollitieri (tennis), Paul Williams (boxing), Katya Meyers (triathlon),  Matt Katula (football)  and Paul Rabil (lacrosse) are among the athletes who will be joining area students, teachers and principals showing the activities that they are now able to do because of the PEP grants they received. Also included will be demonstrations with the fun and calorie burning game, Dance Dance Revolution, sponsors of the lunch, and HOPSports demos by Washington Redskins players Chris Horton, Marko Mitchell and Edwin Williams as well as former NFL player John Booty.

      According to NASPE President Steve Jefferies of Central Washington University, "While a great amount of attention has been given to the problems of childhood and youth obesity, not enough focus has been given to the role that physical education programs can play in combating this epidemic. With children spending so much of their time in school, being physically active during the school day and gaining an appreciation and knowledge of having a lifetime of physical activity is a vital part in living a long, healthy life."

      Members of Congress and their staffs have been encouraged to stop by to see the demonstration and the benefits of the PEP grants. With physical education programs in many schools receiving little or no funding from their state or local governments, it is imperative that they know about this program to try and help our younger generation. PEP grants help schools purchase physical education curricula, technology, equipment, and evidence-based professional development for physical education teachers. Kindergarten through 12th grade students in every state benefit from PEP grants.  

      PEP Grants have been awarded to over 1000 schools, districts and other community based organizations. It started in Fiscal Year 2001 when the PEP Bill was approved for $5 million; $50 million in FY 2002; $60 million in FY 2003; $70 million in FY 2004; $73.4 million in FY 2005; $72.7 million in FY 2006; $73 million in FY 2007; $75.7 million in FY 2008; and $78.0 million in FY 2009.

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Contact:
Paula Kun
PKun@aahperd.org
703-476-3461

The preeminent national authority on physical education and a recognized leader in sport and physical activity, the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) is a non-profit professional membership association that sets the standard for practice in physical education and sport. NASPE?s 15,000 members include: K-12 physical education teachers, coaches, administrators, researchers, and college/university faculty who prepare professionals in these areas. NASPE seeks to enhance knowledge, improve professional practice, and increase support for high-quality physical education, sport and physical activity programs. It is the largest of the five national associations that make up the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD). For more information, visit www.naspeinfo.org.

AAHPERD, an alliance of five national associations, six district associations, and a Research Consortium, provides its members with a comprehensive and coordinated array of resources, support, and programs to help practitioners improve their skills to further the health and well-being of the American public. It is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical education, recreation, fitness, dance, health promotion and all specialties related to achieving an active, healthy lifestyle. AAHPERD serves 20,000 members and has its headquarters in Reston, Virginia, 25 miles west of Washington DC. To learn more, visit www.aahperd.org.