(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order Thursday reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test for U.S. schoolchildren, a White House official confirmed to NewsNation.
“President Trump wants to ensure America’s future generations are strong, healthy, and successful,” Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, wrote on social media. “President Trump wants every young American to have the opportunity to emphasize healthy, active lifestyles — creating a culture of strength and excellence for years to come.”
The order is focusing on developing fitness goals for young Americans and directs the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition to create school-based programs that reward excellence in physical education and develop criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award.
The test will be administered by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
At an event Thursday, Trump addressed what the White House has called a widespread epidemic of declining health and physical fitness. He’ll also host several professional athletes, including Harrison Butker, Stephen Soloway, Cody Campbell, Annika Sorenstam, Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Lawrence Taylor, at the White House.
Golfer Bryson DeChambeau will serve as the chair of the council.
Created in 1966, the Presidential Fitness Test required children to run and perform situps, pullups, or pushups, as well as a sit-and-reach test. It was changed in 2012 during President Barack Obama’s administration to focus more on individual health rather than athletic feats.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.