Photo of Kenny Eliason in Unsplash
President Donald Trump signed an executive order today reinstating the Presidential Fitness Test, a traditional physical assessment in U.S. public schools that was discontinued in 2012 by the Barack Obama administration.
Objective and content of the program
The program assesses the physical fitness of students between the ages of 6 and 17 through exercises such as a mile run, push-ups or pull-ups, sit-ups, and a sit-and-reach flexibility test. Those who score in the upper percentiles will receive a Presidential Fitness Award.
The initiative is part of the national health plan to combat childhood obesity, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity. Trump explained that it seeks to revitalize "tradition" and foster "a culture of strength and excellence" in schools.
Who witnessed the signing of the 'Presidential Fitness Test'?
During the White House ceremony, Trump was joined by sports and entertainment figures: golfer Bryson DeChambeau, former NFL player Lawrence Taylor, who has been declared a sex offender, and wrestler Triple H, who performed a visual number featuring his iconic spit in front of the media.
Educational experts and public health advocates warn that the test can lead to stigma among students who don't meet the criteria, and they reject its competitive approach for generating childhood anxiety. However, supporters of the program emphasize that restoring a national standard could increase motivation and attention to fitness among young people.
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