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Health-through-Fitness Initiatives

Promoting Access and Incentives for Americans to Be Active and Healthy

Working hand-in-hand with our members to develop a sound position and industry representation, SGMA has successfully worked to:

  • provide funding programs for better physical education
  • protect and preserve national, state, and local parks and recreation space
  • generate awareness and action to help our nation become healthier and more active
  • create new sports organizations, including specialty-sport trade organizations and leagues
  • fund reinvestment programs for our member companies to distribute among local communities

Click here to view SGMA's Health-through-Fitness Legislative Agendas.

Click here to see how the NEW Congress presents opportunities and challenges with SGMA's Health-through-Fitness legislative initiatives.


Health-through-Fitness Issues on Capitol Hill 

Family Sports and Fitness
Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) - H.R. 245
Empowering Americans to Be Active, Healthy, and Fit

Recently introduced by SGMA and other physical activity proponents, the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) initiative would encourage increased physical activity by easing the financial burden of being physically active. If passed, PHIT would expand existing pre-tax accounts to allow for payment of expenses related to physical activity and team sports, including equipment.

Click here to read general overview of PHIT.


Youth Activity and Quality Physical Education
Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP)
Teaching Children How to Live Active and Healthy Lives

The Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) was designed to jumpstart innovative physical education programs in America's schools. Introduced in 2001 by SGMA and PE4life, PEP had provided over $400 million in physical education funding to schools and community-based organizations to implement and expand quality physical education programs student K-12.

PEP results are showing that access to quality P.E. can teach children valuable lifelong Health-through-Fitness and help save lives.


Employee Health
Workforce Health Improvement Program (WHIP) 
A Smart Investment towards a Healthier America

The Workplace Health Improvement Program (WHIP) would encourage more employees to be physically fit by exempting employer contributions to an employee's health club membership from federal taxes. By enacting WHIP, Congress has the opportunity to create the most conducive environment possible for promoting additional workplace fitness programs at companies, both large and small.

Given its relatively low cost to high return on investment, WHIP represents a win-win wellness benefit that will put more money back into Americans' pockets while at the same time promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing national healthcare expenditures.


Outdoor Recreation
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)  
Expanding Outdoor Access

Created by an act of Congress in 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has paid for the creation, development and maintenance of more than 40,000 parks and recreation areas. LWCF is one of the most important funding vehicles to preserving and expanding access to outdoor recreation areas -- enabling millions of Americans to enjoy physical activity.

From casual participant to extreme adventurer, outdoor recreation is a critical catalyst for healthy living for athletes and enthusiasts of all abilities.


Sport Opportunities for Women
Title IX
Providing Equal Opportunities

Title IX is designed to provide equal and effective accommodations for both men and women to participate in collegiate sports.

The government needs to promote increased physical activity and participation in sports as a way to reverse the trend towards obesity. SGMA advocates a stronger position to actively solicit and engage student interest in athletics.