Lets Move! Active Schools Initiative

Chicago Sky and forward Swin Cash were on hand as the First Lady Michelle Obama launched the Let’s Move! Active Schools initiative hosted by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan joined Mrs. Obama as they each spoke on the importance of kids eating well and being active especially while in school.

3,500 plus Chicago school students and teachers filled McCormick Place to help launch the initiative and hear about the importance of staying active from the First Lady along with an All-Star lineup of professional athletes. Swin Cash was joined by Team USA Track athlete Allyson Felix, tennis pro Serena Williams, NFL player Colin Kaepernick and Team USA Gymnast Gabby Douglas just to name a few. The students participated in fun exercises such as jumping jacks, high knees and lunges in a mass gym class led by the First Lady and the professional athletes.

The First Lady shared alarming statistics about the lack of participation in exercise and activity by today’s youth - only 1 in 3 children are currently active on a daily basis. The Active Schools Initiative will assist schools in creating active environments where students can achieve 60 minutes of physical activity on a daily basis.

To learn more about the Let’s Move! Active Schools initiative and the launch event visit www.letsmoveschools.org