Did you know that only 48% of schools in America today have some form of a physical education program? Or that, on average, just $764 per year is allocated to physical education within the United States today?
Former Speedo Executive Doug Gordon is trying to make sure these types of figures are not only known, but addressed, as he cycles across the nation in the hopes of spreading awareness of the sedentary lifestyle many people in the nation lead, including America’s youth.
What began as simply inspiration transpired into reality, as 61-year-old Gordon set off from Charleston, South Carolina in February on his quest to cycle all the way to California by April. Along the way, his goal is to not only raise funds for the PHIT America organization, but to also urge others to be proactive in re-energizing physical education as a priority in our nation’s youth.
“I want to wake up America, wake them up to the sedentary lifestyle that many lead,” Gordon told SwimSwam via phone on a break from his physical endeavor. “My grandchildren’s generation is the first generation that may not live as long as their parents and it’s primarily due to inactivity”, which is a scary stat that Gordon says prompted him to take action.
Citing the fact that ‘inactivity’ and ‘obesity’ as America’s respective 4th and 5th leading causes of death, Gordon is pedaling his way with his wife following in an RV in order to draw attention to PHIT America and its GO! Grants program, which helps fund elementary school physical education programs.
“It is time for leaders in the sports and fitness industry to step up and get behind the efforts of PHIT America, which is working to revive our schools’ P.E. programs, which are the lifeblood of physical activity,” states Gordon. “Rising rates of physical inactivity are bad for business and bad for the future of the U.S. There’s a great deal of recent research that confirms that active kids learn more in the classroom.”
“At least 75% of all funds received for PHIT America from this bike ride will be used to fund more PHIT America GO! Grants,” states PHIT America Founder Jim Baugh. “With GO! Grants, we are developing more PHIT Kids, who are healthier and smarter.”
As Gordon prepares to wrap up his journey in San Diego on Monday, April 4th, he encourages supporters of the cause to visit his site to donate, follow him along on his journey, as well as find out more about PHIT America.
Lots of kids don’t even go outside anymore. A recent study concluded that most kids today spend less time outside than inmates in maximum security prisons.