Fact Sheet: President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and the Reestablishment of the Presidential Fitness Test

7/31/2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Revitalization of National Fitness Initiatives: Reestablishment of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition and the Presidential Fitness Test to promote a healthier, more active generation.
School and Community Programs: Council tasked with developing school-based programs, creating criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award, and partnering with professional athletes and sports organizations.
Health Crisis Response: Addressing rising rates of obesity, chronic disease, and inactivity, which impact economic performance, military readiness, academic success, and national morale.
Historical Continuity and New Objectives: Building on past initiatives (President Eisenhower’s Council and modifications in 2018 and 2019) to reinvigorate youth fitness culture and sports participation.
National and Global Impact: Emphasis on a multilevel approach (global, national, State, local) to foster an active lifestyle, support American sports traditions, and enhance military readiness.
Upcoming Events and Milestones:
- May 2025 declared as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
- Hosting major sporting events (Ryder Cup, President’s Cup, FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games) over the next three years.
- 2026 celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Nation and the 70th anniversary of the original President’s Council on Youth Fitness.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order’s emphasis on revitalizing the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition could lead to increased focus on physical education in schools, potentially impacting Vanderbilt’s educational programs related to health and fitness.
There is a risk that the reestablishment of the Presidential Fitness Test may require schools to allocate more resources towards physical education, which could affect funding and resources for other academic areas.
The directive to partner with professional athletes and sports organizations may create opportunities for Vanderbilt to collaborate on research and community engagement initiatives, but it also poses the challenge of aligning with national fitness goals.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes in national fitness priorities could affect its student body, particularly in terms of health and wellness programs and initiatives.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine and its public health programs may see increased demand for research and expertise in youth fitness and nutrition, presenting opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies and sports organizations.
Vanderbilt’s Athletics Department might need to adjust its strategies to accommodate new national fitness standards and initiatives, potentially impacting recruitment and training programs.
The Office of Community Engagement could play a crucial role in supporting local schools and communities in implementing the new fitness programs, helping to ensure that they are inclusive and effective.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with local schools for physical education and health initiatives may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with the new national fitness policies.

Financial Impact

The reallocation of federal funds towards fitness and nutrition initiatives could impact the funding landscape for educational institutions, potentially leading to changes in financial support for traditional academic programs.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal discretionary grants prioritize fitness and nutrition. This could necessitate adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in fitness and nutrition policy, particularly through collaborations with the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies.
As national fitness initiatives become more prevalent, there could be a shift in the demographics of students applying to Vanderbilt, potentially affecting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Department of Health and Human Services should explore partnerships with the reestablished President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition to develop and implement school-based fitness programs. This collaboration could enhance the university’s role in promoting youth health and fitness.
The Office of Community Engagement should consider organizing events and initiatives that align with the national emphasis on physical fitness and nutrition. By engaging with local schools and communities, Vanderbilt can contribute to fostering a culture of health and wellness.
Vanderbilt Athletics could leverage the opportunity to partner with professional athletes and sports organizations as directed by the Executive Order. This could enhance the university’s athletic programs and provide students with unique opportunities for mentorship and development.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development should consider conducting research on the impact of the Presidential Fitness Test and related programs on youth health outcomes. This research could inform policy recommendations and enhance Vanderbilt’s reputation as a leader in health and education.

Opportunities

The Executive Order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine to engage in research and initiatives focused on combating obesity and chronic diseases among youth. By contributing to national efforts, the school can enhance its impact on public health.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the national focus on sports and fitness by developing new programs and partnerships that promote physical activity and nutrition. This could include collaborations with local schools, community organizations, and sports teams.
The emphasis on military readiness and national morale offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s ROTC program to integrate fitness and nutrition initiatives into its training programs, enhancing the preparedness and well-being of its cadets.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents opportunities for some adjustments to Vanderbilt’s programs and partnerships to align with national fitness and health initiatives.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.6

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – The Order sets forth structural changes and outlines celebratory or ongoing events (e.g., National Physical Fitness Month in May 2025 and sporting events over the following three years), but it does not provide any explicit deadlines for implementing the directive actions.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition: Reestablished by the Executive Order, this Council is charged with developing innovative fitness goals, creating school-based programs, and setting criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Tasked with administering the reestablished Presidential Fitness Test, thereby playing a key role in implementing the Order’s directives to improve youth fitness.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 agencies are directly impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition – Tasked with developing school-based fitness programs, establishing criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award, and partnering with relevant stakeholders to promote physical education.
Secretary of Health and Human Services – Responsible for administering the reestablished Presidential Fitness Test.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives impact key Cabinet-level officials through the involvement of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and strategic national fitness initiatives.)