Inaugural IHRSA Get Active Leadership Award Presented on Capitol Hill
Posted: October 3, 2016 in IHRSA
IHRSA Advocacy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 21, IHRSA launched its first annual IHRSA Get Active Leadership Award created to honor members of Congress that have led pro-physical activity legislation and initiatives. The award presentations were conducted as part of a Lobby Day hosted by the PHIT Coalition, a group championing the PHIT bill.
The PHIT Act
The Personal Health Investment Today Act (PHIT), would allow Americans to use flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) to pay for health club memberships, fitness equipment, exercise videos and youth sports league fees. If passed, it would allow individuals to tap their pre-tax account up to $1,000 per year to cover these expenses—families would be granted up to $2,000.
Only half of adults get the physical activity they need to reduce and prevent chronic disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By allowing the use of FSAs and HSAs to pay for fitness expenses, the PHIT bill aims to expand participation in physical activity.
IHRSA Get Active Leadership Award
Presenting the first-ever IHRSA Get Active Leadership Award in Washington, D.C., IHRSA raised the visibility of efforts to use public policy to expand the number of physically active Americans. The award honors leaders with strong track records of introducing and supporting initiatives that promote fitness.
The IHRSA Get Active Leadership Award recipients:
- Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI), a longtime leader in the Congressional Fitness Caucus, has championed the PHIT bill and introduced important legislation supporting physical activity, including children’s physical education.
- Congressman Bob Dold (R-IL), who cosponsors the PHIT bill, participated in the #WhyGetActive Health Policy Fair earlier this year, and co-chairs the Congressional Fitness Caucus.
IHRSA board members Missy Moss, Stephen Capezzone, and Allison Flatley presented the awards. They also participated in the Lobby Day, meeting with members of Congress to share their experiences in the health and fitness industry and asking for support of PHIT.
PHIT Coalition Lobby Day
Flatley reflected, “What a great day on Capitol Hill! Trying to push PHIT across the finish line.”
“Great partnerships on the Hill today—IHRSA, Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), American Council on Exercise, Nike, and more,” said Moss. “As a team, we made great progress and impact on the Hill.”
The PHIT Coalition, a diverse group of fitness-aligned organizations, is chaired by IHRSA and SFIA.
The PHIT bill currently has 101 bipartisan sponsors, including 88 in the House and 13 in the Senate. For more information on PHIT, download our infographic on great reasons to pass the legislation.
