THE FIRST TEE SUPPORTS THE FIRST LADY'S
NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO BATTLE CHILDHOOD OBESITY

At an announcement today at the White House, the First Lady outlined elements of the campaign designed to solve the obesity challenge within a generation.

Complementing The First Tee Nine Core Values, The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits are being incorporated into the existing curriculum and will be emphasized at each level of instruction.

“The First Tee’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., CEO of The First Tee. “Teaching young people such important life skills as having confidence, using good judgment and taking responsibility for their actions—which can transfer into making healthy choices and living healthy lives—is at the heart of The First Tee.

“We applaud the First Lady’s leadership in undertaking this very critical issue facing our country today.  As young people represent 100 percent of our future, we strongly believe in supporting her efforts and look forward to working with her to bring positive change to this important area.”

The First Tee is encouraging healthy choices for its participants by incorporating Nine Healthy Habits into its programming.  The Nine Healthy Habits are:

1. Fun in the Sun – healthy habits include using sunscreen, protective and clothing.  
   
   
2. Hydrate for Health – healthy habits include drinking more water and low-sugar sports drinks; drinking less sodas, juices and sugary drinks; and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
   
   
3. Know your Nutrition – healthy habits include eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, low-fat proteins, complex carbohydrates and unsaturated fats; emphasis on variety and moderation.
   
   
4. Grow Fit for Golf and Life – healthy habits include building strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance; emphasis on walking the golf course.
   
   
5. Increase Safety and Prevent Injury – healthy habits include being proactive to prevent injuries rather than waiting to react.
   
   
6. Make Friends for Fun and for Life – healthy habits include making friends through the game of golf that can become friends for life; how to build a strong support network.
   
   
7. Maintain Mental and Emotional Health – healthy habits include learning how to focus your attention and manage your emotions when playing golf, as well as when participating in other activities.
   
   
8. Take Care of our Planet – healthy habits include understanding and participating in “green” golf (and non-golf) community practices.
   
   
9. Rest for your Heart, Body and Mind – healthy habits include getting adequate rest so you can perform your best on and off the golf course.

The First Tee Life Skills Experience currently focuses on wellness both on and off the golf course. For example, one of the core lessons at the “Eagle” level is “Stay Well for Life,” where young people aged 13 and older are asked to exhibit good judgment related to healthy behaviors by choosing to properly prepare their bodies through exercise, nutrition and hydration.

The First Tee National School Program delivers golf and character education in elementary schools through physical education classes, ultimately presenting students with a lifelong activity leading to healthy lifestyles. The National School Program’s sound teaching approach provides students the opportunity to learn and become involved in the health-enhancing activity of golf during the school day, and in many cases, the opportunity to transition to The First Tee Chapters and pursue the sport beyond school to make it a healthy lifestyle choice.  

Childhood obesity rates in America have tripled over the past three decades, with nearly one-third of U.S. children now being overweight or obese. To combat this epidemic, the First Lady will reach out to parents and teachers, and mobilize action and assistance across the federal government, in partnership with governors and mayors, the medical community and leading foundations and sports and business communities to support common sense, innovative tools and solutions to empower families and communities to make healthy decisions for their young people.  

The campaign will unite and inspire families throughout the country to take real and sustained actions to eat better, be more active, and make a commitment to embracing healthier lifestyles.

About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, Fla. at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame.  Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.  Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to over 3.5 million participants in 50 states, 3,426 elementary schools and four international locations - Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore.  Former President George H. W. Bush serves as honorary chairman.  The First Tee Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA.

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As Founding Corporate Partner of The First Tee, Shell Oil Company has provided financial resources to support the development of this charitable youth initiative aimed at promoting character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Shell’s initial contribution has led the way for other individuals, corporations and organizations to provide ongoing financial and promotional support to The First Tee and its Chapters.

Media Contact:
Jane Fader, 904-940-4009, jfader@thefirsttee.org