ACE is a proud partner in the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) which works alongside other leading health advocacy organizations in the United States to lead efforts to create, support, and advocate policy and system changes that enable all Americans to enjoy physically active lives. In a recent letter sent by PAA on behalf of all partner organizations, PAA calls on President Biden to prioritize physical activity and appoint an Executive Director to the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. Read the full letter below:

Dear President Biden,

We, the undersigned organizations, representing thousands of physical activity advocates across the country, are writing to reinforce the importance of addressing the epidemic of physical inactivity and reiterate our request that you name a permanent executive director for the Office of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition (PCSFN) and fill your appointments to the Council. Your administration is missing an important opportunity to underscore the role that physical activity and fitness has in addressing the mental health and well-being issues and chronic disease conditions that are being amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most profoundly, the health benefits of physical activity impact individuals of every age, ability, race and ethnicity. Every potential member of the Council could be an important ambassador for this message.

The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, published by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, established a clear and unwavering scientific consensus on the extraordinary health benefits of physical activity. Despite this consensus, we know that youth physical activity has decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic and according to data just released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the overall prevalence of physical inactivity among adults in our nation is alarmingly high (25.3%), and significant disparities exist among race/ethnic groups (e.g., non-Hispanic Asian adults, 20.1%; non-Hispanic White, 23.0%; non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native, 29.1%; non-Hispanic Black, 30,0%; and Hispanic adults, 32.1%).

We are counting on you to address these issues with the full weight and influence of the executive branch. The PCFSN can play a powerful role for your administration, but only with a permanent executive director, supportive council, and expert science board. As you are now in the second year of your administration, we ask that you empower the PCFSN without further delay.
Thank you, in advance, for your attention to this issue. The Physical Activity Alliance would welcome the opportunity to support your efforts to strengthen the PCFSN and increase physical activity across the nation. Please reach out to Graham Melstrand, President of the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) at (graham.melstrand@acefitness.org), to discuss opportunities for collaboration between your administration and PAA.

Sincerely,