Increasing Physical Activity

While the old adage that food is medicine has never been more true, physical activity is a crucial complement to diet. The current generation of children is more comfortable playing video games than playing outdoors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 50% of adults are meeting official recommendations for physical activity, and the same number of adults live with at least one chronic disease. Healthy habits start young, and it is important that children learn that physical activity is a fun way to support their physical and mental health.

In partnership with PHA, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) developed its Net Generation initiative, which encourages children ages 5 to 18 of all backgrounds and skill levels to play tennis by training coaches and providing new tennis equipment to participating locations. In support of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Mercedes-Benz USA has supported grants for organizations in major metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles and New York City, to provide high-quality sports programs to children who otherwise would not have access to athletics.

As a result of PHA’s partner commitments, more than 70,000 coaches were trained and 186 million dollars have been invested to get kids physically active.

Read more about PHA’s initiatives.