On behalf of Major League baseball players, I was honored today to stand with the First Lady at Camden Yards as we kicked off a new partnership with the Let's Move! campaign.
As we gathered with local RBI and Boys & Girls Clubs of America youth, I was struck by the First Lady's wisdom and courage to confront childhood obesity and her ongoing commitment to making a difference. I’m sure there are other, politically safer, social issues to champion, but this is not a problem that can be solved simply by pretending it does not exist. Nor is this a problem we can afford to ignore.
The Major League Baseball Players Association is excited about the Let's Move! campaign because it promises to actually do something about a serious problem facing our youth, rather than just talk about it. Today we kicked off a new public service campaign featuring 30 MLB players, one from every Club, that will run in stadiums, online and on media with the Ad Council later in the summer.
Today’s event is just the beginning. Major Leaguers are looking forward to working closely with the First Lady and Let's Move! to find ways to educate children and their parents about how to exercise, eat right, and make healthy lifestyle choices.
As a parent, I know first-hand the challenges kids face. I understand the powerful lure of television, computers, cell phones, and video games. But, you can’t get in shape just by moving your thumbs. It’s time for all of us – kids and parents alike – to get unplugged and get off the couch.
The Players Association is committed to the goal of Let’s Move! – to raise a healthier generation of kids. As professional athletes, our members understand not only the importance of health and nutrition but the reality that there is no quick fix. We're a part of this fight not just today but for as long as it takes to curb childhood obesity. Together, we can achieve a goal we all share – a healthier, fitter and inevitably happier next generation. Let's get moving.
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