United States: Among more than a dozen sports leagues and players’ associations, from the NFL to the PGA Tour, that have made a pledge to the White House to create more scope for people to be physically active and learn about nutrition and adopting healthy lifestyles.
Challenge to end hunger and build healthy communities
The White House said on Thursday that the leagues and associations have joined the Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities. The challenge was initiated last year as a continuation of the 2022 White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, The Associated Press reported.
At the conference, President Biden announced a national strategy to reach the national goal of ending hunger and diseases related to diet by the year 2030. The challenge requires that interested parties should make “bold commitments” towards achieving the target as stipulated by the White House.
In the United States, Vice President’s spouse, Doug Emhoff, strongly disapproves of the doctrine that the prevalence of diseases like Type 2 diabetes and obesity is “simply unacceptable”, these illnesses being major causes of mortality.
Leagues step up to the plate
He further added that Biden, by entering into agreements with the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition, the leagues have “stepped up” to support him in reaching his objectives. The President’s Council on Sports is an advisory body that exists to promote healthy eating and physical activities.
NFL’s PLAY60 initiative expands
PLAY60 will be expanded by the NFL, and they will also encourage young people to participate in its national health and wellness program, in which youngsters have to devote at least 60 min a day to physical activities. NFL will also add the significance of nutrition into their program, as reported by the Associated Press
In order to promote good health to young people, the NBA and The WNBA will evolve their programs and events, including at the All-Star Game in Indianapolis, later this month. Emhoff said he’ll be attending the game.
The NHL, MLB, MLS, NWSL, and other sports leagues have made similar commitments, he said.