While the pandemic might have happened a few years ago, the game of tennis is experiencing a gruesome aftermath. Children across the country have become inactive. Recess and even the entire physical education curriculum have been dropped from many public schools. Tennis programs have also been put at risk. Think about it, no more tennis and no more PE. Without sports and other outdoor activities, how will kids learn to run, jump, and exercise? Let alone basic sportsmanship principles such as teamwork, leadership, and a healthy lifestyle.
Also, the lack of fitness is impacting the classroom. Educators recognize that academics and physical activity go hand-in-hand. They are seeing the consequences of sedimentary students. Particularly when it comes to mental health and test scores. If that’s not scary enough, wait until you read some of the statistics.
According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine U.S. kids are ranked 47th out of 50 countries when it comes to fitness. Roughly 75% of all teens are not fit enough to join the military and 10 million kids have been labeled “couch potatoes.” To make matters worse, 90% of American children fall short of the CDC physical activity standards. This represents an alarming 50 million children.
Pre-Pandemic Problem
The problem actually started before the pandemic. The only body parts kids have been moving during the past decade are their fingers. Obsessed with electronic devices, phones, tablets, or video games, America needs to brace itself for a generation of obese children who can’t run, jump, kick, or throw a ball. Naturally this could spill into the workplace and create an employment debacle. Plus, a healthcare crisis.
PE Program Solution
But there is a solution. PHIT America, a non-profit organization is offering FREE, no-cost tennis programs to public schools nationwide. The founder, Jim Baugh, has been a lifelong advocate of children’s health. As a business executive during his 45-year career in the sports and fitness industry, he campaigned for kids, making sure physical fitness was a top priority.
In a recent news interview, Jim speaks out about the ill effects of the pandemic on children. He also shares how the long-term cost to correct the problem could be catastrophic, versus doing something about it now.
Jim lists a variety of health benefits in keeping kids active, including:
- Reduces the chance of obesity
- Better Grades
- Reduces the chance of diabetes, cancer & more
- Strengthens kid’s muscles & bones
- Protects from Covid & other diseases
- Boosts your energy
- Protects our National Security
- Reduces depression & kids who do drugs
- Promotes Gender Equality
- More successful careers
- Reduces healthcare costs
- You live longer and are happier
Today, the program is experiencing so much success, they’ve generated a wait-list. That’s right, public schools are jumping on the bandwagon to bring physical fitness back to their campus. Only now, PHIT needs funds.
A Plea for Help!
Tennis Express is calling on all tennis players and sports enthusiasts to step up and DONATE. We’re even challenging ATP and WTA pros, tennis clubs, and coaches, as well as community tennis associations such as the USTA (United States Tennis Association) to be part of the solution by sharing this story on their website and social media.
Your $5, tax-deductible donation will introduce tennis (the greatest sport ever) to one child. Just think what $50 could do.
Visit TennisExpress.com today, where we provide solutions for tennis players and pave the way for future generations.
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