Many U.S. Children Fail Fitness Tests

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29871, 11 July 1962, Page 18

Many U.S. Children Fail Fitness Tests

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright)

HYANNIS PORT (Massachusetts). July 8 | President Kennedy today' described the lack of physical fitness amongst America's 40.000.000 schoolchildren as “frightening" as he released statistics based on fitness tests. The President, who was ending a week-end of relaxation with his family at the summer White House on Cape Cod. said surveys indicated that, at best, one-fourth of those youngsters ‘ ‘cannot pass even a simple screening test of physical performance.” United Press International reported. “This test is not difficult." Mr Kennedy's statement said "It calls for only the minimum acceptable levels of strength, flexibility and agility.” The President said his Council on Youth Fitness, which provided the statistics on the basis of pilot projects and surveys, also had proposed comprehensive tests for schools to measure a broader range of physical achievement. The research, Mr Kent edy said, indicated "almost half our children cannot reach satisfactory levels in all items of tests of this type. “These statistics are frightening. but it is through this testing activity that the schools proved the value of professional leadership in organised daily programmes emphasising physical fitness,” Mr Kennedy said. “When the screening test was administered in schools which previously had no organised programme, 48 per cent, of the students failed." Mr Kennedy reported. “Th : s figure compares with only 25 per cent failure in schools which previously carried on

I organised programmes of physical education ” I The President said that at 1 the end of the school year. . the rate of failures fell to . 11 per cent, in schools hav-| ing no previous programmes.! . but only 5 per cent, in schools with programmes. "While these figures should be of great concern to us all. , they do offer encouragement,” . Mr Kennedy said. "The remarkable difference ’ in the rates of failure between schools which previously had programmes and I those which did not, and thej rapid improvement in all i schools, clearly indicates the I value of vigorous activity.”