First Lady launches President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition

First Lady Michelle Obama has put together a powerhouse group to serve on the “President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition” including Billie Jean King, Michelle Kwan, and Dominique Dawes. From the official press release comes all the details:

WASHINGTON, DC – First Lady Michelle Obama joined kids from the Washington, DC area to launch the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition and introduce the 2010 Council co-chairs and members.  In conjunction with the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative, this year President Obama has broadened the scope of the Council, formerly known as the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, to include a focus on healthy eating as well as active lifestyles.  The President signed an Executive Order outlining the Council’s new emphasis on both good nutrition and physical fitness.

The President has named Drew Brees, quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, and Dominique Dawes, three-time Olympian and former U.S. national champion in women’s gymnastics, 2010 Council Co-Chairs.  Dawes delivered remarks at the event and Brees recorded a video message that was shown.  Joining Dawes at the event were 2010 Council Members Dan Barber, Tedy Bruschi, Allyson Felix, Michelle Kwan, Curtis Pride, Donna Richardson Joyner, Dr. Ian Smith, Carl Edwards, Cornell McClellan and Dr. Stephen McDonough.  Council Executive Director, Shellie Pfohl, was also in attendance. Following the announcement, the First Lady, Pfohl and the Council Members joined the kids in participating in a series of activity stations.

“This year we’re expanding the work of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition to include not just a focus on active lifestyles, but on healthy eating, too,” Mrs. Obama said.  “The Council will play an important role in our effort to help combat childhood obesity in this country and I am grateful to the athletes, chefs, doctors and nutrition experts who are volunteering their time on the Council to help make a difference.”

The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition is a committee of volunteer citizens who advise the President through the Secretary of Health and Human Services about opportunities to develop accessible, affordable and sustainable physical activity, fitness, sports and nutrition programs for all Americans regardless of age, background or ability.  The Council’s mission is to engage, educate and empower all Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and good nutrition.  For more information about the Council and its members, visit www.fitness.gov.

In addition to its presidential advisory role, the Council promotes and maintains the President’s Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards program (President’s Challenge) which encourages all Americans to include physical activity – 30 minutes per day for adults and 60 minutes per day for youth – in their daily lives.  For more information about the President’s Challenge programs, visit www.presidentschallenge.org.

President Obama announced his intent to appoint a number of individuals to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition including the following women:

Dominique Dawes, Appointee for Co-Chair, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and NutritionDominique Dawes is an Olympic gymnast who competed in three Olympic Games and has a permanent place in the U.S. Olympic Committee Hall of Fame. She was a member of the gold-medal-winning team at the 1996 Atlanta Games, where she also won a bronze medal in the floor exercise, becoming the first female African-American gymnast to win an individual medal. Now retired after dedicating 18 years to the sport, Ms. Dawes commits her time to motivational speaking, hosting gymnastics clinics, and serving as a spokesperson for several organizations that support the physical and emotional health of youth and women. She is an accomplished motivational speaker, speaking to audiences on topics focusing on leadership, teamwork, physical and emotional health, fitness and overcoming obstacles.

Allyson Felix, Appointee for Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and NutritionAllyson Felix is an accomplished Olympic gold medal track and field sprint athlete who helped the U.S. women’s 4×400 meter relay team secure victory in the Beijing 2008 games. In the 200 meters, she is also a two-time Olympic silver medalist, a three-time World Outdoor champion, and a five-time USA Outdoor champion. When Ms. Felix won the 2009 World Outdoor Championships, she made history as the first woman to ever win three world 200-meter titles. She additionally has won two gold medals with the World Outdoor 4×400 meter relay team and another in the World Outdoor 4×100 meter relay. Ms. Felix’s speed helped her become the World Junior record holder in 2005 when she clocked 22.18 in the 200 meters as an 18-year old.

Billie Jean King, Appointee for Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and NutritionBillie Jean King won 39 Grand Slam singles, doubles and mixed doubles tennis titles, including a record 20 titles at Wimbledon. She left a mark on the sport and the women’s movement during the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” match, in which she defeated Bobby Riggs, a former number one player in the world.  Ms. King founded the Women’s Tennis Association, the Women’s Sports Foundation, and co-founded World TeamTennis, a co-ed professional tennis league. She was named a “Global Mentor for Gender Equality” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2008, received the NCAA President’s Gerald R. Ford Award in 2009 for her contributions to improving higher education and intercollegiate athletics, and earlier this year was honored with the Beacon of Change Award from Major League Baseball. In August 2009, Ms. King was awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor.

Michelle Kwan, Appointee for Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and NutritionMichelle Kwan is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history.  She has won five world championships, nine U.S. national championships and silver and bronze Olympic medals.  In 2001 she received the Sullivan Award, given to the top amateur athlete in America and in 2003 she was awarded the U.S. Olympic Committee Sports Woman of the Year.  Ms. Kwan currently serves as a public diplomacy envoy, an unpaid position with the U.S. State Department, charged with engaging young people in dialogue on social and educational issues. She is also pursuing a master’s in international affairs at Tufts University’s Fletcher School, having graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in international studies in 2008.

Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, Appointee for Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and NutritionDr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey is the President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, a philanthropic organization devoted to improving health and health care. She is the first woman and the first African American to lead the $8 billion Foundation. Among its major efforts to improve the nation’s health, the Foundation has committed $500 million toward rolling back the epidemic of childhood obesity.  Before joining the foundation, Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey was a leader in academic medicine, government service, and her medical specialty of geriatrics. During her tenure at the University of Pennsylvania, she served as a professor and the director of the University’s Institute on Aging. She also served as the deputy administrator of what is now the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality. Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey earned her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and her M.B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. In 2009,Forbes named Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey one of the world’s 100 Most Powerful Women.

Donna Richardson Joyner, Appointee for Member, President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and NutritionDonna Richardson Joyner is a fitness instructor who has spent more than 20 years working to educate, empower, and energize children, women, and families about living healthy lifestyles. She has starred in more than 25 award-winning fitness videos, including “Sweating in the Spirit,” and “Body Gospel.” Ms. Richardson Joyner has served on the Women’s Sports Foundation Board of Trustees, is an advisory board member for the Boys and Girls Club of America, and serves on the national advisory board of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity.  She has lectured and conducted wellness seminars at schools and community centers in more than 30 countries. In 2006 Ms. Richardson Joyner was inducted into the Fitness Hall of Fame and named by Essence Magazine as one of the 25 most inspiring women in America.

Courtney Force helps students find the finish line

NHRA driver Courtney Force documents her summer on the drag-racing circuit in an online blog for USA TODAY.

This week sisters Courtney, Brittany and Ashley were part of a race car-themed awards ceremony at the Rio Vista elementary school in Orange County. The drag racers were asked to help pass out the awards to the students who had succeeded in the reading competitions throughout the year. These reading competitions had been themed to racing with the various reading groups being their “pit crews.” The gym was even decorated according to theme.

The Force sisters brought some of their our own props – including die-cast cars, fire suits, helmets, and all other safety equipment – and got the chance to speak to the students about the importance of staying in school and how much it could have an impact on their future careers.

It’s always fun to introduce the NHRA to those who are unfamiliar with it and the girls passed out signed hero cards and presented the students with gold, silver, and bronze medals.

After spending a day with the students, Courtney was back to towing around the parking lot in the Funny Car working toward her own personal goal in life. She then head down the street to Cal State-Fullerton to take an English writing exam she needs to pass in order to graduate in the fall. Her exam topic was on her personal feeling toward group projects. Group projects are kind of like teamwork on a race team and everyone knows there’s no “I” in Team!

Courtney says:

I believe that if everyone on a team is passionate about what they do and are willing to put forth an effort, then you can achieve your ultimate goal. Without my crew guys and my family, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to say we’ve achieved winning a national event. I’ll never forget that day last July when my win light came on in Seattle and they handed me my first Wally. My team is very important to me and we support each other all through race day.

Stay tuned to find out what else Courtney is up to this summer and be sure to follow her on Twitter @courtneyforce.

Girls Basketball Camp in San Antonio Memorial Weekend

If you’re in the San Antonio area, don’t miss this two day training session geared towards advanced basketball training for girls from S.P.T. Basketball and Classy Girl mentoring from former San Antonio Silver Stars player Chantelle Anderson.

Camp Highlights include:

• Autograph session with Sophia Young
• Life mentoring and skill development with Chantelle Anderson
• Warm up and injury prevention training with Silver Stars Strength & Conditioning Coach Mike Ekanem

Camp co-director Tim Springer, a former collegiate player, has been developing elite players for the past seven years. He is the founder of S.P.T Basketball in San Antonio and is one of the premier skill development coaches in South TX. He has coached nationally ranked players, teams and worked with the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Chantelle Anderson, former WNBA player, is a life coach and youth mentor. At Vanderbilt Uni. she earned a degree in Human and Organizational Development and is the school’s all-time leading scorer. Chantelle has also been featured on MTV’s show MADE, as a mentor.

Camp Details:

May 29th 9AM-5PM and
May 30th 1PM-6PM
Lunch provided on Saturday only
Castle Hills First Baptist School
2220 NW Military Hwy
5th grade-HS Girls

Iran’s girls’ soccer team back in Youth Olympics

With this summer’s inaugural Youth Olympics fast approaching, there was one group of young women who were facing exclusion. That is until this week when FIFA said they will allow the Iranian girls soccer team to compete at the Games as long as their players swap their traditional head scarves for a cap that covers their hair.

The compromise comes after soccer’s governing body last month barred the team because of its insistence on wearing head scarves. FIFA banned hijab scarves – which protect the modesty of Islamic girls and women – in 2007 for safety reasons and to prevent political or religious statements on the field.

“This decision was taken after both the Iran Football Federation as well as the Iran National Olympic Committee confirmed in writing that they will accept a solution whereby the players will not wear their Islamic Hijab during the matches of the competition,” FIFA said in a statement. “Instead, the players can wear a cap that covers their heads to the hairline, but does not extend below the ears to cover the neck.”

The Iran Football Federation was not immediately available for comment. The state-run Tehran Times reported that Iranian authorities had agreed to allow players to wear hats.

“We sent FIFA a sample of our new Islamic dress and fortunately they accepted it,” said Abbas Torabian, director of the International Relations Committee of Iran’s soccer federation. “They announced that there was no objection if the players covered their hair with hats.”

Iran will compete in the six-nation tournament in Singapore. About 3,600 athletes, ages 14-18, will compete Aug. 12-25 in 26 sports at the Youth Summer Games.

Questions to ask when choosing a sports camp

When choosing a sports camp, there are many, many questions to ask. The size of the program, number of session days, distance from home, and philosophy should all influence your decision. The cost, length, and type of a particular program are not necessarily connected with “results.”

Research all potential programs and if possible, meet with a representative and talk with past participants. Brochures, Websites and videos may also be reviewed to answer questions about activities, staff, supervision and facilities. If you’re deciding whether you’re ready to go away to a residential camp, start by asking yourself the following questions.

• Have you been away from home for more than one night without family members?
• Can you take care of your personal belongings?
• Can you care for your own basic hygiene needs, like brushing your teeth?
• Do you like the outdoors?
• Can you cope with unfamiliar people, places, and schedules?
• Do you enjoy making new friends?
• Do you like group situations?

Although age is one factor in readiness for sleep-away camp, a girl’s maturity level and personality are more important indicators. Talk with your family about camp and see if you really want to go. Chances are if you’re enthusiastic about the experience and your parents are supportive, you’ll have a great time.

Once you decide you’re ready for camp, ask yourself these questions to decide what kind of camp is right for you:

Do you mainly want to have fun with your friends? If so, don’t spend a lot of money on a specialized camp. Traditional Camps offer a wide range of activities, including sports & games. They also usually include such traditional activities as arts & crafts, campfires, and water sports.

Do you want a competitive environment? Competitive sports camps generally provide training for athletes who participate in school and other leagues. If you are looking for a program that emphasizes sports in a more informal environment, choose a Multisport program or one that emphasizes non-competitive learning.

Do you want to improve your sports skills? If improving technical skills is your main priority, enroll in a program in a Specialty Camp with coaches who can demonstrate skills and take the time to correct problems. Specialty Camps focus on a particular area of interest such as Goalkeeping, Horsemanship, Pitching, Scoring, etc.

Do you want to improve your tactical sense? Tactics are learned over time and from mistakes therefore, you should consider attending a longer, tactical-oriented program with lots of coaches per player.

Do you want to bond with your team and develop more team strategies? If moving your team to the next level is important, maybe you should talk to your coach and teammates about attending a “Team Camp.” Many programs can accommodate teams or offer special sessions for teams.

Do you want to get in better physical condition? This should only be of concern to girls over 12 years, who will benefit by cultivating growing muscle mass and lung capacity. Check out programs that offer this emphasis–but be sure you have a medical exam to verify your basic physical condition.

Are you getting bored with the sport you play? If your batteries need recharing, pick a program with an athlete you admire or in a special location– which may cost more money but will keep you energized about your sport.

Whatever you decide, the main goal should be to have fun! If you’re looking for a camp, check out our camps & clinics database with thousands of choices. Let the games begin…

Pretty Tough Team Mottos

A little inspiration never hurt. We asked “What’s your team’s motto for the upcoming season?” Here are some of the responses we received.

Mia: “Our team is not responsible for lost or stolen pride.”

Lexi: My soccer team motto is: “Have no regrets. Leave everything on the field.”

Elizabeth: “Citius, Altius, Fortius aka Swifter, Higher, Stronger”.

KCR: Nosotros Creemos” (”We Believe”)

Christina: I’m not on a team but I’ m a whitewater kayaker whose motto is: I came to kick ass and chew bubble gum – and it looks like I’m all out of bubble gum!

Stormo: Our team shirts say: Lead, Follow or Get Out of Our Way (I guess that’s our team motto).

Vballchick: Our volleyball team has a motto: Set It and Forget It

Ultimo: Focus Together ….actually that’s the athletic departments motto this year but we say it when we are getting down on our self.

MadAlly: We’ve had a couple of mottos. my fav tho is “Bruises, Sweat, Blood, Tears, Lady Bucks Have No Fears.“Pipecleaners: For club ball last year we had “One Team One Goal One Game“Firecracker08: ours is “Play with Passion.“

IzAngelica: New Year… New Team…Same Dream

Coach Marti: The team I’m coaching right now motto is “Think Big.” Nice and simple but big in interpretations.

HannahBananna: “Together Fight, Together Win”

laxgrl91: My LAX team has “Chix with Stix” embroidered on our jerseys.

dcbbp: At Dana College, the Women’s Basketball team motto is: “Accept the Challenge.�

AliB: “Set the Standard, Demand Respect, Win Big”

Sharpie: Our volleyball team’s motto is “Can You DIG It“.

Bluebell: Ours is “United As One” (it’s also an inside joke about unibrows).

CoachJane: Teamwork Will Make the Dream Work…

LittleShot: “Familae Grandis Et Laetum” which I think is Latin for “One Big Happy Family”?

MSUgrl: When I was at Michigan State the tennis team had two mottos: “Grace Under Pressure” and “No Regrets.”

LeeLee: “Succisa Virescit” is Latin for “When cut down, it grows back stronger.”

RgbyGrl: Kia Kaha is Maori meaning “Forever Strong!”

EngMjr: At SFU the Track & Field team’s motto is “Faster, Higher, and Further.”

Missy485: Our team’s motto is: “You Gotta Be In It To Win It.”

Supersweeper: One of our team mottos is “What You Put In Is What You Get Out.”

sabreka: “If you keep working harder and harder you will only get better and better.”

Not all mottos send the right message. One coach we spoke with had this to say:

“No Pain, No Gain” is a motto that may cause many unnecessary injuries. You don’t have to push kids or people to do more than they should on an athletic field.

Another sports motto this same coach disagrees with is: “Winning Is The Only Thing.” He says “This may be true if your job as a professional coach depends on it but most kids should be playing for the fun of it.”

How do you create a two or three word team motto that sums up the pursuit of victory/achievement with the necessity of team unity? Do you have a motto that inspires you? Let us know.

Sun announces second annual Women in Sports essay contest

The WNBA’s Connecticut Sun is inviting Connecticut students in grades 4-8 to participate in the Second Annual Women in Sports Essay Contest in honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD).

All Connecticut students  interested in participating in the project may submit a one-page essay answering the question: “Who is your favorite female athlete and why?” All essays must be received by the Connecticut Sun front office by Fri., April 9. Sun players, along with members of the organization, will judge the essays.

NGWSD began in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her athletic achievements and her work to assure equality for women’s sports. It has evolved into a day that acknowledges the past while recognizing current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.

One grand prize winner in the Sun contest will receive an exclusive school assembly with Sun mascot Blaze and/or players to recognize the winning student, essay and school. The winner will be recognized at a Sun pre-season game, receive four tickets to a pre-season game and have their essay posted on the team’s web site. Five runners-up, one from each grade level, will receive four tickets to a Sun pre-season game and their essays posted on the team’s web site. The first 50 entrants in the contest will receive a special gift from the Connecticut Sun as well as two complimentary tickets to a Sun pre-season game.
Entry forms are now available on www.connecticutsun.com.

Join the Women’s Sports Foundation in Washington

February 3, 2010 marks the 24th annual celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, a day to celebrate and promote girls’ and womens’ participation and excellence in sports.

NGWSD is marked annually with events around the country and on Capitol Hill to commemorate the achievements of girls and women in athletics. It is also an important day to promote the continued expansion of opportunities for girls and women to play sports and live physically active lives.

While we have made significant strides towards equity in athletics, we have a long way to go to realize the law’s promise. High school girls still receive 1.3 million fewer opportunities to play sports than high school boys. Federal law requires colleges to make gender equity in sports information publicly available each year, but high schools are not required to disclose these data, making it difficult to ensure fairness at the secondary school level.

If you’re in the Washington, D.C. area, come learn how bills requiring high school athletics data collection would help close this gap and why this legislation is needed.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Russell Senate Office Building, Room 485

Washington, D.C.

Agenda

Welcome and Overview: Details of the High School Data Collection Bills – Neena Chaudhry, Senior Counsel, National Women’s Law Center

Background on NGWSD and the Importance and benefits of Sports – Jessica Mendoza, Women’s Sports Foundation President, Two-Time Olympic Softball Medalist

On the Ground Need for Legislation – Peg Pennepacker, Assistant Principal & Athletic Director, Susquehanna Township School District (PA)

Q & A

*Please RSVP to Karen Kranitz at KKranitz@WomensSportsFoundation.org or 516-307-3930 by Friday, 1/29/10

Podcast: Pretty Tough Peak Performance Episode 08

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:12 — 4.8MB)

Pretty Tough is proud to present the eighth in our series of weekly podcasts focusing on Peak Performance.

The PT Peak Performance series features leading experts from the fields of sports nutrition, diet, sports psychology and core and fitness training, as well as athletes, trainers and coaches. Each program is 6 – 8 minutes in length and provides cutting edge information and actionable advice to help athletes of all ages perform at their peak with a special focus on the female athlete.

Episode 008: Rebecca Scritchfield discusses the ins and outs of sports drinks.  Listen as Rebecca provides essential details about nutrition, hydration and maintaining optimum health.

About Rebecca Scritchfield: Rebecca Scritchfield is a Washington, D.C. based registered dietitian in private practice. Members of Congress, corporate executives, and professional and recreational athletes seek Rebecca’s  expertise to help them reach their performance goals. She received a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and was recognized by American Dietetic Association in 2009 as “Young Dietitian of the Year”.

Podcast: Pretty Tough Peak Performance Episode 007 Pt. 2

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:10 — 4.7MB)

Pretty Tough is proud to present Part 2 of our seventh podcast in our weekly series focusing on Peak Performance.

The PT Peak Performance series features leading experts from the fields of sports nutrition, diet, sports psychology and core and fitness training, as well as athletes, trainers and coaches. Each program is 6 – 8 minutes in length and provides cutting edge information and actionable advice to help athletes of all ages perform at their peak with a special focus on the female athlete.

Episode 007 Part 2: Rebecca Scritchfield discusses the ins and outs of energy drinks in our second of a two part  podcast. Listen as Rebecca provides more essential details about energy drinks, nutrition and maintaining optimum health and fitness.

About Rebecca Scritchfield: Rebecca Scritchfield is a Washington, D.C. based registered dietitian in private practice. Members of Congress, corporate executives, and professional and recreational athletes seek Rebecca’s  expertise to help them reach their performance goals. She received a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and was recognized by American Dietetic Association in 2009 as “Young Dietitian of the Year”.

http://www.rebeccascritchfield.com

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