NW Valley Times

This week in Washington D.C., former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson announced his endorsement of Congressman Abraham Hamadeh's Congressional Fitness Challenge. Tyson expressed his enthusiasm for the program during a joint interview with FOX News, highlighting his commitment to promoting health among the youth by implementing the challenge in his own schools.

Congressman Hamadeh's initiative, House Concurrent Resolution 20, proposes a nationwide voluntary fitness program for children aged 6-17. The challenge comprises five fitness tests: the 1-Mile Run/Walk, Pull-Ups/Flexed Arm Hang, Curl-Ups or Sit-Ups, Shuttle Run, and Sit-and-Reach. Participants will earn recognition based on performance, with certificates signed by prominent legislative figures awarded to those completing the program.

The bill is part of Congressman Hamadeh's broader initiative to enhance the health and strength of the nation's youth. Reflecting on the current state of youth fitness, Tyson remarked on the pressing need for improvement, saying, "I think this is going to improve, and people are going to get better, and people want to get healthier. I just believe that. It can be helped."

Brett Favre, former NFL quarterback, also voiced his support for the program in a joint opinion piece earlier this spring. The piece called for support from athletes and Congressional colleagues to advance youth fitness. Congressman Hamadeh emphasized the importance of addressing childhood obesity, which has tripled since the 1970s, stating, "It is imperative that we do all we can to revive physical excellence among America's youth to build a stronger nation.”

Tyson's Transformational Technologies Academy, with locations in Florida, Arizona, and West Virginia, plans to integrate the fitness challenge into its curriculum. Tyson's backing of the program adds momentum to Congressman Hamadeh's efforts in promoting youth fitness across the country.