September 29, 2010                                                                      2:29 pm

The Economics of Obesity

Below are stats that indicate what impact obesity plays within the economy of the United States:

• 72 Million adults are obese
• $147 Billion in costs are related to obesity
• Annual cost of being overweight: $524/woman and $432/man
• 10% of all medical costs go to weight related issues

All statistics are from "The Financials of Obesity." Click here for the full article and more information.

September 27, 2010                                                                        4:28 pm

U.S. Soccer Foundation and Special Olympics Dedicate Field, Celebrate the first Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day

The U.S. Soccer Foundation and Special Olympics co-hosted a Soccer Celebration and Field Dedication event in Washington, D.C. as part of the first "Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day" (EKS Day) on September 25th which promotes a global call for people to commit actions of inclusion, acceptance and unity for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The field dedication at Friendship Southeast Academy Charter School – Mini-Pitch Soccer Field in Washington, D.C. included a soccer clinic for 40 youth players and a Unified Game featuring Special Olympics athletes and coaches from United Soccer Club. Leading up to the dedication, a special message of greeting from President Barack Obama was read to all who gathered in celebration of EKS Day. Additionally, Steve Hocker, President & CEO of Special Olympics, Washington D.C. presented the Mayoral Proclamation to the family of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. On hand for the event was DC United midfielder, Brandon Barklage along with Special Olympics and U.S. Soccer Foundation executives and members of the Shriver family.

September 23, 2010                                                                          2:18 pm

Soccer For Success Kicks Off in Washington, D.C.

Soccer For Success kicked off in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Los Angeles yesterday, bringing free after school soccer programming to children in economically disadvantaged urban communities. Soccer for Success participants each received a new adidas uniform (jersey, shorts, soccer socks) and shinguards before the clinic started as well as healthy snacks and a soccer ball at the end of the program. Experienced coaches from United Soccer Club ran the clinic, with DC United's mascot, Talon, along to help out. DC United players, Bill Hamid and Barry Rice were also on hand to sign autographs. Soccer for Success will be an ongoing afterschool program that meets three days a week and has at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each session.

About the Program: Soccer for Success provides free afterschool programming for elementary and middle school-age children in economically disadvantaged urban communities. Our aim is to ensure that children and youth facing social and economic barriers have easy and affordable access to quality soccer programs that support their physical and personal development. Click here for more details

 
Upcoming Soccer For Success Kick Off Sites:

Newark, NJ: Friday, September 24
New York, NY: Tuesday, September 28
Houston, TX: Wednesday, September 29

September 21, 2010                                                                            3:48 pm

Passback Tour travels to Seattle, Hosts Soccer Clinics and Free Health Screenings

One way the U.S. Soccer Foundaiton is contributing to Childhood Obesity Awareness Month is through its Passback Tour. In addition to providing free soccer clinics to hundreds of youth across the country, the Passback Tour has partnered with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health's Get Up! Get Moving! program to provide free health screenings for those in attendance. This past weekend, the Passback Tour was in Seattle, WA for another successful stop - see pictures from Seattle as well as other locations below.

Next Up:
San Diego, CA - September 25 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: Chicano Park, National and Logan Avenues, San Diego, CA

September 20, 2010                                                                             5:15 pm

U.S. Soccer Foundation Celebrates Opening of New Sport Court at CAPCS Rand Campus in Washington, D.C.

The U.S. Soccer Foundation opened the new Sport Court at CAPCS Rand Campus in Washington, D.C. with soccer clinics, soccer stars, and healthy snacks for first through fifth graders at the event. On hand for the celebration was D.C. United's Barry Rice and the Washington Freedom's Marisa Abegg, and special guests Admiral Sandy Stosz and Captain Joesph Re from the United States Coast Guard. The clinics were run by coaches from the United Soccer Club and health snacks were provided by Sunsweet.

September 15, 2010                                                                             2:09 pm

U.S. Soccer Foundation Honored at the Seventh Annual Sneaker Ball with 2010 Patterson Award

Last night the U.S. Soccer Foundation was awarded the 2010 Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy during the Seventh Annual Sneaker Ball hosted by the Greater Washington Sports Alliance. Presenting the award to U.S. Soccer Foundation President & CEO, Ed Foster-Simeon, was Carlette Patterson of Patterson Sports Ventures and Fred Mann of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The Patterson Award recognizes one athlete and one sports organization each year that most effectively demonstrates excellence, leadership, and a sustained commitment toward a mission that serves and improves the lives of others. In addition to the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the athlete receiving the 2010 Patterson Award was NBA star Dikembe Mutombo.

Both Ms. Patterson and Mr. Mann were invited to observe a soccer clinic facilitated by United for D.C. coaches at a U.S. Soccer Foundation Mini-Pitch at Friendship Charter Southeast Academy in Washington, D.C., prior to the Sneaker Ball and award ceremony. In theme with the month, a major focus for all organizations and individuals honored at the Sneaker Ball was the importance of fighting childhood obesity.

Click here to learn more about the Steve Patterson Award and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 

September 14, 2010                                                                             12:19 pm

Childhood Obesity Awareness Month: Major Headlines

First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary Sebelius Announce National Challenge to Get Americans Moving:

On Tuesday, September 14, First Lady Michelle Obama, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN) Co-Chair Dominique Dawes will launch the Million Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA) Challenge to get one million or more Americans of all ages to sign up for and achieving the PALA. Full Story >>

Two New Programs Aim to Prevent, Treat Childhood Obesity:

Two major research programs that will examine ways to prevent and treat childhood obesity have been launched by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. "Childhood obesity is a major public health concern. If we don't curb this widespread problem, our country will see a substantial increase in cardiovascular disease and other health issues in the years ahead," Dr. Susan B. Shurin, acting director of the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) said in an agency news release. Full Story >>

First Lady Asks Restaurants to Serve Healthy Foods:

First lady Michelle Obama is prodding the nation’s restaurants to add more healthy options to menus, label those items more prominently and market nutritious foods to kids. Speaking to the National Restaurant Association on Monday, Mrs. Obama pleaded with restaurants small and large to take a little butter or cream out of their dishes, use low fat milk and provide apple slices or carrots as a default side dish on the kids’ menu. Full Story >>

September 13, 2010                                                                              12:43 pm

U.S. Soccer Foundation's Passback Tour Rolls on Through Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Over the weekend the U.S. Soccer Foundation's 2010 Passback Tour stopped in Dallas, TX for another successful day of soccer clinics and free health screenings, both emphasizing the importance of physical activity, proper diet, and healthy lifestyles, while connecting families with local soccer programs to achieve the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day. In partnership with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health's Get Up! Get Moving! program, the 25 city Passback Tour looks ahead to the upcoming stops:

• Seattle, WA - September 18 & 19 - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm (both days)
  Location: South Park Community Center, 8319 Eighth Ave. South, Seattle, WA
• San Diego, CA - September 25 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
  Location: Chicano Park, National and Logan Avenues, San Diego, CA
• Los Angeles, CA - October 16 - 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
  Location: East Los Angeles Civic Center, 4801 East 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA
• Boston, MA - October 23 - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  Location: English High School Fields, 144 McBride St., Jamaica Plain, MA
• Houston, TX - November 6 - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  Location: Mason Park, 541 South 75th St., Houston, TX

 
To See Recaps, Results, and Photos for previous Passback Tour stops click on the Links Below:

• Phoenix, AZ - March 20, 2010
• Chicago, IL - May 15, 2010
• Albuquerque, NM - August 28, 2010
• New York, NY - August 29, 2010

September 10, 2010                                                                               10:43 am

U.S. Soccer Foundation Wins National Sports Philanthropy Award!

The U.S. Soccer Foundation was named a winner of the 2010 Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy. The prize is awarded annually by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) to the professional sports organization and individual sports philanthropy that most effectively demonstrates excellence, leadership, and a sustained commitment toward a mission that serves and improves the lives of others.  Full Story >>

Reaction to the Award:

"I am delighted to see the commitment the U.S. Soccer Foundation has shown to promoting physical activity and healthy living through the sport of soccer." - Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, RWJF President

"We are truly honored to be recognized by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation's largest philanthropy devoted solely to the public's health, and to be in the company of so many other excellent organizations. The attention this award brings to our work, particularly our focus on healthy living and combating childhood obesity, is invaluable.” - Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation

“Both of the 2010 award winners represent Steve’s vision of and devotion to improving the lives of others. Our family is honored that two strategic organizations are continuing his legacy.” - Carlette Patterson, Steve Patterson's Widow and President of Patterson Sports Ventures

U.S. Soccer Foundation Ready to Mark Grand Opening of Field at CAPCS' Rand Campus on September 16, 2010

With the momentum of the Patterson Award the U.S. Soccer Foundation is taking an ambitious approach during Childhood Obesity Awareness Month with a full array of events, like the CAPCS' Rand Campus Field Build, that engage children in healthy activities, showcasing the important role of organized, grassroots youth sports programs in the fight against childhood obesity.

September 9, 2010                                                                                 9:45 am

Leading Ladies - Michelle Obama & Marcia L. Fudge - Make Statements on Childhood Obesity Awareness Month and the Importance of this Movement

First Lady, Michelle Obama, makes a stop at Brock Elementary School in Sidell, LA pushing her message of healthier lifestyles for children during Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Click here for the full story and watch the video below to see how Ms. Obama is launching the next phase of her "Let's Move!" campaign:

In February 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama introduced Let's Move!, incorporating the HealthierUS School Challenge into her campaign to raise a healthier generation of kids. At that time, monetary incentive awards became available for each HUSSC award level: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Gold Award of Distinction. For information about the Healthier US School Challenge visit the the USDA Website.

Watch the video below to see a recent interview with Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH) on Fox 8 in Cleveland, OH:

During Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, Congresswoman Fudge will hold briefings, events, and an announcement of her Fit for LIFE Bill to end chilhood obesity in low-income and minority communities. Please visit her website for more information.

September 8, 2010                                                     9:46 am

Back to School with Childhood Obesity in Mind

With September marking the start of the new school year, parents should be thinking about ways to keep their children healthier. Below are childhood obesity prevention tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Encourage Healthy Eating Habits

• Provide plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain products
• Include low-fate or non-fat milk or dairy products
• Choose Lean Meats, poultry, fish, lentils, and beans for protein
• Serve reasonably-sized portions
• Encourage your family to drink lots of water
• Limit sugar-sweetened beverages
• Limit consumption of sugar and saturated fat
• Click Here for ways to make favorite dishes healthier

Help Kids Stay Active: Health Benefits of Regular Physical Activity:

• Strengthening Bones
• Decreasing Blood Pressure
• Reducing Stress and Anxiety
• Increasing Self-esteem
• Helping with Weight Management

Examples of Moderate Intensity Physical Activity:

• Brisk Walking
• Playing Tag
• Jumping Rope
• Playing Soccer
• Swimming
• Dancing

Back to School Headlines:

Fighting Childhood Obesity: Students are encouraged to stay active
Study: Of Every 10 NYC Kids, 4 Are Overweight
2010 School Year Opens with Healthy Businesses Finally In Schools 

September 7, 2010                                                   10:18 am

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation News Digest:
Childhood Obesity

This frequently updated news digest on the subject of Childhood Obesity highlights key
articles from major journals and news publications:

Study: Fitter Students Fare Better - Shreveport Times

Battelle to Examine What Curbs Childhood Obesity - The Columbus Dispatch

Fresh Fruits, Vegetables For 188 Illinois Schools - AP

A Nibble Here, and a Nibble There - Boston Globe

Schools Planning for New Law Aimed at Childhood Obesity  - WYTV, Youngstown, OH

Students Making Gains in Improving BMI - Pensacola News Journal

Coming Soon: Theaters, Airplanes to Post Calories - Wall Street Journal

Baby Carrots Take on Junk Food With Hip Marketing Campaign - USA Today

September 3, 2010                                                      9:44 am

Healthier Kids, Brighter Futures Childhood Obesity Toolkit

What You Can Do to Promote Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper
• Contact television and radio news stations about a planned program or activity designed to combat childhood obesity
• Ask radio stations to air public service announcements
• Write letters to your local and state elected officials
• Have your mayor and governor issue proclamations recognizing Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
• Write about the issues on your blog, Facebook, and other social media platforms
• Encourage your pediatrician's office to promote the issue in their waiting room and patient rooms with handouts, pamphlets, artwork from patients, articles, etc.
• Advocate for parks, bike and walking trails, safe sidewalks and other amenities that promote healthy physical activities

To see more ways you can help join the fight to end childhood obesity and access the entire Healthier Kids, Brighter FuturesToolkit, Click Here»

September 2, 2010                                                        12:05 pm

President Obama Officially Proclaims September Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

September 2, 2010                                                                                     9:19 am

Let's Move! Campaign and the U.S. Soccer Foundation 

On March 5, 2010, the First Lady, Michelle Obama, joined the U.S. Soccer Foundation at its free youth soccer clinic in Washington, D.C. to highlight the commitment to the national fight against childhood obesity and the First Lady’s Let’s Move! campaign which emphasizes the importance of children getting 60 minutes of active play each day.  

“You know, you’ve got to move,” Ms. Obama told the players. “You’ve got to exercise . . . and soccer is one of my favorite ways of doing it.”

The First Lady joined 60 children from programs supported by the U.S. Soccer Foundation in Washington, DC during plyometric exercises and other soccer games that showcased the sport as a fun and effective way to engage kids in vigorous physical activity. Full article »

Childhood Obesity by the Numbers

• Nearly one third of children and adolescents are overweight or obese, making up 23 million kids and teenagers
• Obese children have an 80% chance to become obese adults
• One third of children born after 2000 will suffer from Diabetes at some point in their lives
• An average American child spends more than 7.5 hours a day watching TV/Movies, using cell phones and computers for entertainment, and playing video games
• Only one third of high school students get the recommended levels of physical activity
• $14 Billion is spent each year on direct medical expenses and indirect costs of childhood obesity

*Statistics provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Let's Move! Campaign

September 1, 2010                                                                                      9:32 am

Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Kicks Off!

The U.S. Soccer Foundation is raising public awareness for National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month by hosting events throughout September that use soccer to engage children in healthy activities, showcasing the important role organized, grassroots youth sports programs can play in the fight against childhood obesity. Full article »

U.S. Soccer Foundation List of Events
National Soccer for Success "Kick-Off" Day, Wednesday, September 22 - Soccer for Success programs supported by the U.S. Soccer Foundation in Washington, DC, New York, Houston, Los Angeles, and Chicago will hold afternoon soccer clinics for children and their parents to help kick-off the school year on a healthy note. After each event, Soccer for Success programs will continue to run throughout the school year and provide children in grades K-8 with free after-school soccer programming.

Joint Passback and Get Up! Get Moving!™ Tour - The U.S. Soccer Foundation is partnering with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health to hold events that provide children and their families with free health screenings and soccer clinics.

• DALLAS, TX: Saturday, September 11, Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Kiest Park, 3880 South Hampton Rd., Dallas, TX.
• SEATTLE, WA: Saturday, September 18, Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, South Park Community Center, 8319 Eighth Avenue South, Seattle, WA.
• SAN DIEGO, CA: Saturday, September 25, Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Location: Chicano Park, National and Logan Avenues, San Diego, CA.

Field Opening & Soccer Celebration at Rand Elementary School, Thursday, September 16- A ribbon cutting ceremony for a new SportCourt field followed by a soccer clinic run by United Soccer Club coaches for over 50 elementary school children. Thursday, September 16. Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm, Rand Elementary School, 33 Riggs Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20011.

Declaration of September as Childhood Obesity Awareness Month -
Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (Ohio)

The U.S. Soccer Foundation applauds Representatives Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH) and Kay Granger (R-TX) along with U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and George Voinovich (R-OH) for their leadership on this critical issue. To learn more about National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, including a listing of events in your state and other resources, visit the Healthier Kids, Brighter Futures website.