Golf News for Monday, October 28, 2013 |
People
SILVER SPRING, Md. -- PHIT America - the
non-profit education and advocacy organization designed to combat the
nation's inactivity and obesity crisis - announces LPGA star Ryann
O'Toole, USA Water Polo four-time Olympic medalist Heather Petri and USA
Softball two-time Olympic gold medalist Michele Smith as celebrity
ambassadors. The three join an all-star group of previously announced
supporters, including fitness expert Denise Austin.
Rising from their shared passions for being
active, each athlete lives in a manner that aligns with the PHIT America
mantra of creating "A Movement for a Fit and Healthy America." Founded
in January 2013, the organization focuses on overcoming the inactivity
pandemic affecting 192 million people across the country.
One of the fittest women in golf, O'Toole is
dedicated to a strict workout regimen and participates in a range of
other sports, including surfing, whenever her schedule allows. She
believes that consistent exercise is necessary to stay healthy while
traveling to tournaments around the world.
"As a professional athlete, I've made a point
to inspire others, not only through golf, but by exercising daily and
sticking to a routine," says O'Toole. "The partnership with PHIT America
is crucial in educating the almost 70 percent of the total population
that is either obese or overweight."
In 2012, Petri capped a historic water polo career with a gold medal
at the London Olympic Games. At "National Health Through Fitness Day" on
Capitol Hill earlier this year, she spoke to Congressional leaders
about the rise of sedentary lifestyles and resulting health issues.
Smith, a softball gold medalist at the 1996
and 2000 Olympics, is committed to engaging kids on and off the playing
field. She shares her passion for the game and an athletic lifestyle
with the next generation of girls through a variety of camps and
clinics.
"The percentage of Americans who are completely sedentary has
steadily increased over the past five years with inactivity remaining
the prime contributor to escalating healthcare costs," says Jim Baugh,
Founder of PHIT America, former President of Wilson Sporting Goods and a
2011 inductee into the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame. "Celebrity
athletes like Ryann, Heather and Michele are all helping to spread the
message of PHIT America."
PHIT America supports two pieces of legislation crucial to increasing
the number of healthy Americans. When passed, the Personal Health
Investment Today Act (PHIT) will allow people to use pre-tax medical
accounts for physical activity expenses. The Physical Education Program
(PEP) is a 12-year Federal grant from the Department of Education for
schools to rebuild health and fitness programs.
Since its January 2013 launch, more than 130 leading companies and
associations from the sports, fitness, retail and media industries have
contributed funds and services to support PHIT America.
Americans are encouraged to support PHIT America by visiting
www.PHITAmerica.org to advocate, provide a donation or participate in
health and wellness programs.
About PHIT America
Founded in January 2013, PHIT America is a non-profit educational,
social media, and advocacy campaign focused on overcoming the inactivity
pandemic and obesity crisis in America by creating a "Movement for a
Fit & Healthy America." Over 130 companies along with sports
ambassadors and celebrities are helping PHIT America to get more
Americans more active, fit and healthier.
A few of the major PHIT America initiatives include passing key
legislation. The Personal Health Investment Today Act (PHIT) will allow
Americans will be able to use pre-tax medical accounts for physical
activity expenses. The Physical Education Program (PEP) is a 12-year
program supporting increased activity in local physical education
programs throughout America. Both the PHIT Act and PEP Program will help
mitigate rising healthcare costs by encouraging Americans to develop
more active, healthy lifestyles.
PHIT America also just launched the Mayor's Fitness Challenge, a new,
fun 10-week campaign in local cities around the U.S. designed to
encourage active lifestyles through group exercise sessions, educational
programs and community engagement.
For more information about PHIT America, visit PHITAmerica.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Elizabeth Maloy
Buffalo Communications
703.891.3394
emaloy@buffalocommunications.com
@buffalocomm
http://www.worldgolf.com/newswire/browse/83943-PHIT-America-Announces-Female-Celebrity-Ambassadors
