Senate Resolution No. 5235

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
May 2018, as Physical Fitness and Sports Month in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
physical inactivity is a major health risk factor in the State of New
York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018, as Physical
Fitness and Sports Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with
the observance of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month; and

WHEREAS, May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month; it is a
great time to renew your commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle; and

WHEREAS, According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
(HHS) Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report
Strategies to Increase Physical Activities Among Youth, youth need 60
minutes or more of physical activity each day where they live, learn,
and play; and

WHEREAS, In addition to physical health benefits, regular activity
provides cognitive health benefits as well; research shows that when
children are physically active, they achieve higher grades, record
better attendance, and their behavior improves; and

WHEREAS, Just over six years ago, former First Lady Michelle Obama
launched Let's Move!, an initiative designed to end childhood obesity
within a generation and create a brighter future for our nation's youth;
and

WHEREAS, Today, Let's Move! has actually moved America in a
healthier direction; HHS and the President's Council on Fitness, Sports
& Nutrition (PCFSN) have partnered with individuals, organizations, and
companies to help further the vision of Let's Move!; and

WHEREAS, Let's Move! Active Schools, an initiative that engages
school and community leaders to provide students with more opportunities
to be physically active before, during and after school, has welcomed
the participation of more than 8,200 schools, more than 3.5 million
students nationwide, since its launch; and

WHEREAS, PCFSN also continues its work with schools through the
Presidential Youth Fitness Program which supports quality physical
education; in addition to encouraging physical activity in the school
environment, Let's Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC) has engaged
more than 400 cities to transform their communities; and

WHEREAS, The creation of safe routes to schools, maintenance of
outdoor community play areas, and local environmental education programs

help make the healthy choice, daily physical activity, the easy choice
for residents; LMCTC now impacts over 63 million people nationwide; and

WHEREAS, HHS remains committed to creating inclusive opportunities
for Americans of all backgrounds and abilities; the I Can Do It, You Can
Do It! (ICDI) mentoring program for children and adults with
disabilities will celebrate its three-year anniversary this May; and

WHEREAS, ICDI facilitates and encourages adults and children,
regardless of ability, to lead a healthy lifestyle which includes
regular physical activity and good nutrition; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the month and beyond, HHS and PCFSN are
encouraging children and families to get up, get out and be active;
whether it is running around on the blacktop before school or work, or
walking around the neighborhood with your family after dinner, set aside
at least 60 minutes for some fun physical activity each day; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim May 2018, as Physical
the observance of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.