Colorado Represented at
National SPEAK Out! Day

Our nation's capital received a visit this spring from COAHPERD President Clay Ellis and COAHPERD advocates Bob and Jill Fox, who traveled there to promote physical education to Colorado legislators. Their efforts paid dividends.

The three were in Washington, DC, as part of the 2010 NASPE SPEAK Out! Day. The goal was to urge lawmakers to take a stand in favor of strengthening physical education in schools. Soon after, the Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act was passed by the House of Representatives. The FIT Kids Act helps to ensure kids are active during the school day and are taught to be personally responsible for their health.

The Foxes are owners of Speed Stacks, Inc., and longtime presenters and supporters of COAPHERD. They were recently invited to join NASPE's Corporate Council and had the opportunity to join NASPE at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, for a press conference launching a new initiative called Let's Move in School.

NASPE's Let's Move in School is aligned with findings of a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing the positive impact of school-based physical education and physical activity on academic performance. This campaign was the springboard for SPEAK Out! Day, informing legislators and their staff members on the positive impact of physical education and movement in the classroom on student behavior, attention span, and achievement test scores. Ellis and the Foxes paid visits to the offices of Colorado senators Mark Udall and Michael Bennet, Colorado Rep. Mike Coffman, and North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad.

"It's an honor to be part of NASPE at the national corporate level, and it's evident our voices can make a difference for physical education," said Bob Fox. "Working with a pro like Clay was also beneficial. He is a true ambassador for the entire physical education community in Colorado."

Bob and Jill Fox (2010). Colorado Represented at National SPEAK Out! Day. COAHPERD JOURNAL.