President Donald Trump announced the revival of the Presidential Fitness Test, restoring a decades-old program that had been phased out during the Obama administration, as he joined athletes, cabinet officials and children at the White House to promote youth fitness and competitive sports.
Speaking at a White House event attended by professional athletes, including golfer Bryson DeChambeau, golfer Gary Player and former NHL player T J Oshie, Trump said the initiative was aimed at rebuilding physical fitness among American children.
“Today I signed a proclamation recognizing national youth sports and fitness, and I'll also sign the very first copy of the new revitalized Presidential Fitness Test Award, a certificate in recognition of achievement of the Gold Standard of Physical Fitness,” Trump said.
The program, introduced during the presidency of John F Kennedy, had long been a fixture in American schools before it was replaced in 2013 with a broader health-focused initiative.
