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Annika Sorenstam Appointed To Florida Governor’s Council On Physical Fitness

Source: Governor of Florida
Posted on: 23rd November 2009

Encourages middle school students to participate in Governor’s Fitness Challenge.

Governor Charlie Crist announced the appointment of World Golf and LPGA Halls of Fame golfer Annika Sorenstam to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness.

The council met this week in Miami to further its efforts to increase Floridians’ level of physical fitness through regular exercise and sound nutrition practices. Governor Crist also encouraged middle schools and students to participate in the 2009-10 Governor’s Fitness Challenge, an eight-week school-based program to help boost children’s participation in physical fitness activities.

“I appreciate Annika’s enthusiasm for helping young people understand the importance of fitness and physical activity,” Governor Crist said. “I especially look forward to her sharing with the Governor’s Council her insight into inspiring middle school students to achieve their dreams.”

Sorenstam is considered the greatest female golfer of her generation and is often regarded as the best player in LPGA history. Her prestigious list of accomplishments includes her 2003 induction into the World Golf and LPGA Halls of Fame, 10 major championships, 89 worldwide professional victories, eight LPGA Player of the Year Awards, and participation on eight Solheim Cup teams. In June 2008, Annika was named a USGA Ambassador to help make golf an Olympic sport in 2016.

“I am extremely pleased and honored to serve on the Governor’s Council,” commented Sorenstam. “The mission of my Foundation is perfectly aligned with the goals of the Council and of Governor Crist. I look forward to helping the Council achieve its major objective – getting all Florida kids active, physically fit and eating right.”

In 2007, Sorenstam founded the ANNIKA Foundation to provide inspiration to children in need through critical financial, physical and emotional support. It also helps aspiring junior golfers follow their dreams through scholarships, education and new playing opportunities. The foundation will partner with the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and the Governor’s Fitness Challenge to teach the importance of living a healthy active lifestyle through nutrition and physical fitness.

The Governor’s council is co-chaired by Derrick Brooks, former linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Shannon Miller, Olympic gold medal gymnast; and University of Florida Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Tim Tebow. Other high-profile athletes on the council include former NHL star Dave Andreychuk, tennis star and Olympian Jennifer Capriati, NFL running back Warrick Dunn, Olympic swimmer Nancy Hogshead-Makar, Boston Red Sox third-baseman Mike Lowell, Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O’Neal, Olympic softball player Dr. Dot Richardson, world champion surfer Kelly Slater, and Olympic swimmer Dara Torres.

Earlier this month, Governor Crist and council co-chair Tim Tebow invited homeschooled students to participate in the Governor’s Fitness Challenge. In the letter to all homeshooling families, Tebow shares how, as a homeschooler himself, he learned the importance of physical fitness at an early age. Homeschool students and students attending schools that do not participate in the challenge can participate as individuals simply by registering at www.GovernorsFitnessChallenge.com.

About the Governor’s Fitness Challenge

Middle schools and students can now register to participate in the Governor’s Fitness Challenge. Governor Crist encouraged teachers, parents and homeschoolers to register online at www.GovernorsFitnessChallenge.com, the interactive Web site created through a grant from AT&T Foundation. Students can track their progress and access encouraging messages, theme-based activities, healthy recipes and safety tips on the Web site. Activities are provided by Dave Andreychuk, Jennifer Capriati, Shannon Miller, Chef Emeril Lagasse, Mike Lowell of the Boston Red Sox and Kelly Slater, council member and nine-time world championship surfer.

“I am proud of the many elementary schools and students who have registered to participate in this year’s Governor’s Fitness Challenge,” said Governor Crist. “Through the remainder of the school year, I invite Florida’s middle school students and their teachers and parents to become involved in this opportunity to learn about fitness and an active lifestyle.”

Bt participating in the challenge, public and private schools can become eligible to win cash to purchase sports or fitness equipment. A grant from SunTrust Banks of Florida Foundation will provide the award funding for the winning schools to purchase sports or fitness equipment. The Fitness Challenge program has been developed by the Executive Office of the Governor, the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Department of Education, Titus Sports Academy and the Governor’s Volunteer Florida Foundation. This fitness challenge is not meant to replace any existing fitness programs, but to provide an additional opportunity for Florida’s students to develop healthy living habits.

To participate in the Governor’s Fitness Challenge or for more information, please visit the redesigned Web site at www.GovernorsFitnessChallenge.com.

About the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness

The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness is comprised of 23 professionals with varying expertise from government, businesses, athletes, community organizations and private citizens, the council has developed a state plan of action containing 39 recommendations to increase physical fitness through regular exercise and sound nutrition practices among Floridians of all ages and to reduce the rate of obesity and resulting chronic diseases in Floridians within the next 10 years. To learn more about the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, please visit www.HealthyFloridians.com.

About the ANNIKA Foundation

The ANNIKA Foundation teaches children the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition, and offers aspiring junior golfers opportunities to pursue their dreams. A primary focus for the ANNIKA Foundation is to identify the greatest needs and opportunities to make an impact by developing sports and physical fitness programs for kids. A key focus is to provide resources that increase participation and access where it is not currently available or affordable, and promote awareness for the importance of leading a healthy, active lifestyle. More information about the ANNIKA Foundation can be found at www.annikafoundation.org.

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