Health and Physical Activity: Priorities for Every Season at the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Another interesting meeting took place in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, right next to the White House.  This was an interagency meeting on increasing opportunities and participation in youth sports across the country.  I think this is a great initiative and was excited to be able to participate in a discussion with people from other government agencies.  I played soccer, basketball and baseball as much as I could when I was younger.  Without these opportunities I probably never would have made it to the Major Leagues.

USDA has a program called HealthierUS Schools Challenge that recognizes schools that excel in fostering healthy eating and physical activity among students.  As a professional athlete, I am very concerned with nutrition and exercise in my own life, and I believe it is important to promote their importance to our nation's youth. 

I was honored to accompany Secretary Vilsack to Hollin Meadows Elementary School last week, where he and First Lady Michelle Obama met with teachers, parents, students and administrators.  Hollin Meadows received a Silver Star from the HealthierUS Schools Challenge.  In addition to meeting several of the students and hearing about the programs that have made the school such a success, I was able to meet the First Lady.  I mentioned to her that we shared a common alma mater in Princeton University.  I enjoyed not only meeting her, but also watching her and the Secretary interact with the program participants from Hollin Meadows. They were both very engaging and encouraged an interesting and informative dialogue.