Physical fitness and sports

This executive order establishes a national program for physical fitness and sports under the Secretary of Health and Human Services and continues the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports as an advisory body. The order directs federal coordination, public education, research promotion, and partnerships with state/local governments, schools, medical professionals, and employers to encourage physical activity across all age groups.

47 FR 5189

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Impact dates

Dec 31, 1982
President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports terminates unless extended

Key directives

Secretary of HHS shall develop and coordinate national physical fitness and sports program
Enlist support of citizens, civic groups, private enterprise, voluntary organizations
Initiate public information programs on exercise importance
Strengthen federal coordination through interagency committee
Encourage state and local government emphasis on physical fitness
Advance fitness for children, youth, adults, seniors through community programs
Develop cooperative programs with medical and dental professional societies
Stimulate research in sports medicine, physical fitness, sports performance
Assist educational agencies in health and physical education programs
Assist recreation agencies and sports governing bodies in 'sports for all' programs
Assist business, industry, government, labor in employee fitness programs
Continue President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports with 18 presidentially appointed members

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Council on Physical Fitness and Sports continued
Executive Director appointment authorized
interagency committee invited

Near term (90d)

Council termination deadline of December 31, 1982 unless extended

Long term

ongoing national program development and coordination
potential program institutionalization if Council extended

Risks & tensions

Council's temporary status (terminating Dec. 31, 1982) creates uncertainty about program continuity; later EOs extended it
No dedicated funding appropriation specified; programs dependent on 'available funds' and existing HHS resources
Vague 'encourage' and 'assist' language throughout may limit enforceability of directives
Interagency coordination dependent on voluntary participation rather than mandate
FACA function delegation to Secretary rather than President may create accountability questions