Concern At Physique Of American Children

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27709, 13 July 1955, Page 13

Concern At Physique Of American Children

(Rec. 10 p.m.) WASHINGTON. July 11. President Eisenhower told a group of sports celebrities at a White House luncheon today that more American children should be encouraged to enter competitive sports. He said it would be one good way to fight juvenile delinquency.

Mr Eisenhower expressed concern over a report made at the luncheon by Dr. Hans Kraus that tests had shown American children to be far below Europeans of the same age in physical fitness.

Dr. Kraus, of New York University, reported that 40,000 children were studied, including 1500 Americans. He said 56 per cent, of the Americans failed in the physical fitness test, compared with only 7 per cent, of the Europeans.

“These statistics are even more alarming than I had thought they were,” Mr Eisenhower remarked. “It is a very serious situation.” Mrs Ruth Hirschland, who joined Dr Kraus in describing the tests on the children, said that in a study of touching toes without bending their knees, 44.5 per cent, of the American children failed, compared with 6 per cent, of the Europeans. She said no noticeable difference was shown between rich and poor children. Dr Kraus said the average American child obtained only 13£ minutes of physical education a day. He listed “a growing tendency to watch television” as a principal cause. The luncheon was planned in part to direct attention to the problem of juvenile delinquency. Archie Moore, the world light heavy-

weight boxing champion, spoke on the art of self-defence. Press assistants said the President was “somewhat impressed” by the talk, and told the boxer: “Mr Moore, you ought to be elected to Congress.” Tony Trabert, the Wimbledon tennis champion, said he favoured the Federal Government subsidising a “take-part-in-sports” programme. “The Government subsidises a lot of things,” Trabert said. “I think it can afford to put up some money for such a worthwhile cause. It would not have to be much.”

Trabert said his idea was to arrange a series of tournaments in different places, with trophies going to the winners. The Government also would supply the uniforms. “You know how much it means for a kid to wear a uniform. ’ he said.

Trabert was asked whether he experienced a bigger thrill in winning at Wimbledon a few weeks ago or lunching with the President. “Lots of people win at. Wimbledon.” he replied. Other guests at the luncheon included Jack Fleck, the United States open golf champion. Gene Tunney. the former world heavy-weight boxing champion. Mai Whitfield, the Olympic champion for 800 metres. Wes Santee, the mile runner, and Mr Kenneth Wilson, president of the United States Olympic Committee

Japanese Attempt on Manaslu.—A Japanese expedition, turned back from Mount Manaslu last year for “annoying the mountain gods,” has been granted permission to make another attempt on the 26.658 ft peak, it was announced today.—Katmandu, July 11.