Search

The author, Executive Director of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sport (PCPFS), describes the efforts of the Council in improving the fitness levels of Americans through research, information dissemination, and action programs. Defined as the "ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to enjoy leisure time pursuits and to meet unforseen emergencies," physical fitness is a positive quality, extending on a scale from death to abundant life. Discussed in the presentation are: the decline in coronary death rates in the United States, the importance of exercise, national exercise patterns, the favorable climate for physical fitness, prevention programs of the PCPFS, presidential support, and PCPFS priorities. (MJB)

The author presents suggestions for publicizing physical education programs more effectively and for involving as many "publics" as possible in support of physical education. Methods discussed include: (1) the use of students as "salespeople" to other students, parents, and teachers; (2) publicizing through mass communications media, through reports to school officials, and through the use of leaflets, photo displays and slide shows or films; (3) mounting exhibitions and demonstrations during school assemblies, at intermissions of athletic events, or during special "days" or "nights." Five examples of demonstrations that schools or districts use to tell their physical education stories effectively are given. (MJB)