First lady Michelle Obama speaks about a school exercise program February 28, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama unveiled a new initiative called 'Let's Move Active Schools' to help schools create a physical activity programs for students. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
By David Jackson, USA TODAY
First lady Michelle Obama unveiled a school exercise project
Thursday, pledging more than $100 million in public and private money to
help schools develop physical activity programs for their students.
"With
each passing year, schools feel like it's just getting harder to find
the time, the money and the will to help our kids be active," she said. "But just because it's hard doesn't mean we should stop trying - it means we should try harder."
The first lady's office provided details of the program:
"Funding
and other resources for Let's Move! Active Schools are being
kick-started by NIKE Inc., the GENYOUth Foundation, ChildObesity180,
Kaiser Permanente and the General Mills Foundation, the inaugural
sponsor of the Presidential Youth Fitness Program.
"Over
the next five years, NIKE Inc. will invest $50 million in the U.S. to
increase the physical activity of kids in schools and communities as
well as target advocacy efforts to inspire kids and draw additional
resources to this important effort. Collectively, the other groups are
committing over $20 million to help America's schools engage all
students in quality physical activity.
"In addition,
the U.S. Department of Education will continue to support both physical
and nutrition education in schools by realigning its $80 million Carol
M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) to prioritize schools most in
need and support applicants with plans to maximize their reach by
building cost effective, sustainable programs."