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Dear Ask America Supporters,
In these extraordinary times, with many daunting tasks ahead, we are happy to report that slowly, but surely the FIT Kids PE Crusade moves in a forward, positive direction.
Richard's January Media Blitz yielded hundreds more e-mails to Congress, the Administration and Education Secretary Arne Duncan, a fair man who knows the value of vigorous physical activity on both a personal and professional level. Our sponsors in Washington were very happy too!
From Congressman Kind's Office: The press over the last few days has been great! It is so fun to see Richard out there, as always so excited and passionate about FIT Kids. Happy New Year!
Communications Director
The absolute highlight of the trip for Richard was his visit to PS 1, Chinatown, NYC., and being able to interact with the students in a very special class and discussion. (Thanks to Principal Hom and NYC Fitness Director Lori Benson.) After all, if you're going to talk the talk, you'd better walk the walk.
From the NYC Schools Web-site:
"Students and teachers at PS 1 in Chinatown worked off holiday meals this week with help from a very special visitor.
Celebrity fitness expert Richard Simmons led the school, along with students from nearby PS 126, in an hour-long session of stretching, dancing, and aerobics to the beats of Beyonce and Rihanna.
When the exercises were over, Simmons gathered students into a circle for a discussion about the importance of staying fit, eating well, and respecting themselves.
“I’ve visited a lot of schools,” he told the students, “but let me tell you, you guys are my favorite!"
“It was so much fun,” PS 1 fifth grader, Jazmin Hawes, said. “It didn’t even feel like we were exercising.”
“I learned a lot,” fourth grader, Althea Jackson Rosa, said. “I usually eat a lot of junk food, but now I know I have to keep my diet healthy.”
Simmons travels around the country appearing on television programs and volunteering in schools to promote the importance of physical education."
This visit was taped for a special presentation on ABC's NIGHTLINE, air date to be announced. After the broadcast, you will then be able to view it at ABC.com
Shortly after Richard's return to Los Angeles, we were contacted by some amazing people, all eager to help in the support and promotion of Physical Education and Physical Activity.
***Councilman Avella of New York City, hoping to pass a city wide resolution in support of FIT Kids.
***Dr. Marc Siegel M.D., renowned Medical expert for the FOX Network wanting to be involved.
***Mr. Lou Howard of the West Babylon School District, a school district that has been nationally recognized and honored for their innovative and highly successful switch to fitness based PE, willing to share their ideas and solutions.
***Michigan Art Teacher Karen Williams, honored creator of an "indoor fitness trail".
***Hundreds more of YOU, with so many different stories, some heart-wrenching, some inspirational. Richard reads them all.
Thank you all, and thank you to all those of you who wrote Richard and your CONGRESSMEN and new ADMINISTRATION. We cannot stress to you enough how much those letters count, and that you can write regularly and often. Your voice is PRICELESS. Arne Duncan's Washington address is now on Richard's web-site.
Write Congress
Next week Richard journeys to Alaska with the American Heart Association, and the following week to Springfield, Illinois, always advocating for FIT Kids, physical activity and our kids.
The re-introduction of FIT Kids still remains planned for March and we are ready.
Secretary Duncan, Chairman Miller and Senator Kennedy are still confident they can bring NCLB reauthorization to a vote sooner than 2010. With FIT Kids as part of the law's revision and improvement, we can then insure that states and cities will have an incentive to have a working, effective PE Program.
The Administration has it's hands full....to say the least, however, we also know that education and good health are always part of any solution.
We shall be polite, we shall have patience and we shall be graciously understanding, but, make no bones about it..........we aren't going away until the job is finished.
Thank you as always, for standing with us.
Ask America
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