WASHINGTON (AP) On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced the revival of the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, a key component of his initiative to reintroduce a physical fitness test in American schools. This announcement took place during a ceremony at the Oval Office, where Trump was joined by children and professional athletes.
The Presidential Fitness Test was once a staple in public schools across the United States, but it was discontinued during the Obama administration. The former initiative was replaced with a program that de-emphasized competition and focused more on long-term health. In response, Trump signed an executive order last summer aimed at reinstating this fitness test, which has its roots dating back to the 1950s.
At the Oval Office ceremony, President Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining America's athletic traditions and promoting values such as excellence and competitiveness for future generations. He stated, “We’re bringing it back,” showcasing his determination to make physical fitness a priority once again.
The original fitness test evaluated students through a series of physical activities, including a 1-mile run and sit-ups. Students who scored above the 85th percentile for their gender in each activity would receive the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. However, specifics regarding the revamped version of the test have yet to be disclosed.
Key members of Trump's Cabinet, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Education Secretary Linda McMahon, and Housing Secretary Scott Turner, were present at the ceremony. The children in attendance shared their participation in various sports such as football, volleyball, hockey, and golf.
The initiative will be mandatory at 161 schools located on U.S. military installations, according to Hegseth. He also encouraged other educational institutions across the country to adopt the fitness test, stressing the need for “young, strong, healthy Americans” in all facets of life, not just in the military. Hegseth further noted that the notion of competition being detrimental to youth is a slippery slope to national decline.
During the event, Trump, who is a well-known sports enthusiast, highlighted the significance of prioritizing both physical and mental fitness. He humorously acknowledged his own fitness routine, claiming he works out for “about one minute a day, max — if I’m lucky.”
Trump also took the opportunity to sign the first copy of the newly reestablished award. Following the ceremony in the Oval Office, he invited the children to the South Lawn for a variety of sports activities. The event featured music from popular tracks like “YMCA” and “Eye of the Tiger,” while Trump participated alongside the children, engaging in activities such as putting on a green, kicking soccer balls, and pitching with baseball player Noah Syndergaard.
This initiative is aligned with Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” campaign, which aims to address health issues among children. During the event, Kennedy expressed his disappointment over the cancellation of the fitness test by Obama, linking it to the rising obesity rates among American youth. He emphasized the necessity of teaching children how to handle both victory and defeat through competitive sports.
