First Lady Michelle Obama has partnered with the USOC to promote her "Let's Move" initiative against childhood obesity, according to John Meyer of the DENVER POST. The USOC and 10 of its national governing bodies “announced a commitment to get 1.7 million children involved in sports this year for the first time.” USA Track & Field will “expand youth programs by 35 percent to reach 120,000.” The First Lady will lead the U.S. delegation to the Opening Ceremony at the London Olympics on July 27 (DENVER POST, 5/15). The AP’s Dave Skretta noted USA Gymnastics “plans to reach 40,000 additional children, the U.S. Soccer Federation will engage 12,000 youth in afterschool programs,” and the U.S. Tennis Association “plans to reach 750,000 new kids this year.” USA Swimming “hopes to enroll 530,000 new learn-to-swim participants in its ‘Make a Splash’ program, and engage 70,000 new youth member through local chapters.” The U.S. Olympians Association recently began a "Walk to London" program during which “5,456 children will walk a total of 5,456 miles -- the distance from Los Angeles to London.” Meanwhile, U.S. Paralympics is “engaging a combined 87,500 young people through a variety of programs” (AP, 5/14).
