|
|
Article: Meeting the challenge. (physical fitness for the handicapped)
- Article from:
- The Exceptional Parent
- Article date:
- May 1, 1994
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1994 EP Global Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS) was established by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1956. It was one of the first steps in a national campaign to help American youth "shape up." In 1958, I was one of the program's first eager participants. I remember pushing myself to perform the required number of sit-ups and chin-ups in hopes to earning the coveted Presidential Physical Fitness Award. My sister, Marcia, who has developmental disabilities, was not given an opportunity to participate in this--or any--fitness program.
Much has changed since 1958. Today, PCPFS sports and physical fitness programs are open to people of all ages, ...