Advocates' Meeting with Senator Torres-Ray Successful!

Over ten advocates trekked through the snow on Monday night, December 8, to share their passion and commitment to helping our kids live healthy lives through strengthening physical education programs in our schools. These dedicated advocates met with Senator Patricia Torres-Ray (SD 62) in South Minneapolis to share why they want to see statewide physical education standards adopted in Minnesota and a phy ed graduation requirement reinstated.

Childhood obesity is a growing problem in Minnesota and one surefire way to curb obesity in our kids is to get them more active and teach them the lifelong skills that will keep them active as adults. The American Heart Association is asking the state to enact the statewide standards and graduation requirement for physical education during the 2009 legislative session. Click here to view our fact sheet on this bill.

Senator Torres-Ray listened closely as these advocates-- parents, teachers, concerned community members and even students-- shared why improving our state’s physical education programs should be a priority as the state faces higher health care costs, in part due to an increase in obesity rates. Showing her support, she agreed to co-sponsor the bill and help get it passed.

Thank Senator Torres-Ray for meeting with AHA advocates and hearing their concerns.

Also, a huge thanks to the adovcates who made this possible!