H. Res. 1373 
In the House of Representatives, U. S., 
June 24, 2010. 
Whereas the week beginning May 2, 2010, is observed as Na-
tional Physical Education and Sport Week; 
Whereas a decline in physical activity has contributed to an 
unprecedented epidemic of childhood obesity in the 
United States, which has more than tripled since 1980; 
Whereas regular physical activity is necessary to support nor-
mal and healthy growth in children and is essential to 
their continued health and well-being; 
Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, overweight adolescents have a 70 to 80 per-
cent chance of becoming overweight adults, increasing 
their risk for chronic disease, disability, and death; 
Whereas physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, 
high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain types of can-
cers; 
Whereas type 2 diabetes can no longer be referred to as ‘‘late 
in life’’ or ‘‘adult onset’’ diabetes because it occurs in 
children as young as 10 years old; 
Whereas the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, pub-
lished by the Department of Health and Human Services, 
recommend that children engage in at least 60 minutes
•HRES 1373 EH 
of physical activity on most, and preferably all, days of 
the week; 
Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, only 17 percent of high school students meet 
that goal of 60 minutes of physical activity a day; 
Whereas children spend many of their waking hours at school 
and therefore need to be active during the school day to 
meet the recommendations of the Physical Activity 
Guidelines for Americans; 
Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention, 1 in 4 children in the United States does not 
attend any school physical education classes and fewer 
than 1 in 4 children in the United States engage in 20 
minutes of vigorous physical activity each day; 
Whereas teaching children about physical activity and sports 
not only ensures that they are physically active during 
the school day, but also educates them on how to be 
physically active and the importance of being physically 
active; 
Whereas, according to a 2006 survey by the Department of 
Health and Human Services, 3.8 percent of elementary 
schools, 7.9 percent of middle schools, and 2.1 percent of 
high schools provide daily physical education classes or 
the equivalent for the entire school year, and 22 percent 
of schools do not require students to take any physical 
education classes at all; 
Whereas, according to that survey, 13.7 percent of elemen-
tary schools, 15.2 percent of middle schools, and 3.0 per-
cent of high schools provided physical education at least 
3 days per week, or the equivalent thereof, for the entire 
school year for students in all grades in the school;
•HRES 1373 EH 
Whereas research shows that fit and active children are more 
likely to thrive academically; 
Whereas increased time in physical education classes can im-
prove children’s attention and concentration and result in 
higher test scores; 
Whereas participation in sports teams and physical activity 
clubs, which are often organized by schools and run out-
side the regular school day, can improve students’ grade 
point averages, attachment to schools, educational aspira-
tions, and the likelihood of graduating; 
Whereas participation in sports and other physical activities 
also improves self-esteem and body image in children and 
adults; 
Whereas children and youth who take part in physical activity 
and sports programs develop improved motor skills, 
healthy lifestyles, improved social skills, a sense of fair 
play, strong teamwork skills, and self-discipline and avoid 
risky behaviors; 
Whereas the social and environmental factors affecting chil-
dren are in the control of the adults and the communities 
in which children live, and therefore the Nation shares a 
collective responsibility in reversing the childhood obesity 
trend; 
Whereas efforts to improve the fitness level of children who 
are not physically fit may also result in improvements in 
academic performance; and 
Whereas the House of Representatives strongly supports ef-
forts to increase physical activity and participation of 
youth in sports: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
•HRES 1373 EH 
(1) supports the designation of ‘‘National Physical 
Education and Sport Week’’; 
(2) recognizes the central role of physical education 
and sports in creating healthy lifestyles for all children 
and youth; 
(3) encourages school districts to implement local 
wellness policies, as described in section 204 of the Child 
Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 (42 
U.S.C. 1751 note), that include ambitious goals for 
physical education, physical activity, and other activities 
addressing the childhood obesity epidemic and promoting 
child wellness; and 
(4) encourages schools to offer physical education 
classes to students and to work with community partners 
to provide opportunities and safe spaces for physical ac-
tivities before and after school and during the summer 
months for all children and youth. 
Attest: 
Clerk.