Q: What is the Presidential Physical Fitness Award?

A: Nearly 70 years ago during the Eisenhower administration, the President’s Council on Youth Fitness developed a program to prioritize physical fitness, strength and healthy habits among America’s school-age children. Post-World War II, President Dwight Eisenhower wanted to ensure American youth didn’t fall behind their counterparts around the world, saying he wanted to achieve a “more completely fit American youth.” The council recommended a presidential award to foster and recognize physical fitness through a series of exercises incorporated into physical education (P.E.) curricula at schools across the country. President-elect John F. Kennedy embraced the campaign and lamented what he dubbed “The Soft American” in a policy statement

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