If you are in school or have gone to school since Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, you have some experience with the President’s Challenge and Presidential Physical Fitness Award.  I know I was very proud of mine “signed” by President Ronald Regan.  I also remember lots of my fellow students receiving the same award.  We were considered to be in at least B+ shape, in the top 15% of all students the same age.

Hard data seems difficult to find on this subject, but I would be very confident in saying not as many kids are making the grade today.  I would bet President Obama “signs” far fewer awards than did his predecessors.  Time will tell what impact the first lady, Michelle Obama, will have with her program to change our current path of unhealthy lifestyle choices.  For those wanting to see if they still have what it takes to make the grade, or want to put their kids to the test, you can find out more about the events and testing guidelines.  Requirements can also be found in the Qualifying Standards section on the same site.

Please comment here with your President’s Challenge Program experience.  Do you think this award is a “big deal” to kids today?