Health and Physical Activity: Priorities for Every Season
I have had an eventful
couple of weeks since my last post.
I spent a day two
weeks ago in Riverdale, Maryland at the Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Services building learning more about some of their programs. I particularly enjoyed meeting with two
economists, as many of my college classes related to economics.
At a meeting in the
Eisenhower Executive Office Building, right next to the White House, I took
part in an interagency discussion about increasing participation in youth
sports across the country. I
played soccer, basketball and baseball as much as I could when I was younger
and believe it is important for children to have these opportunities. I probably never would have made
it to the Major Leagues without them.
USDA has a program
called HealthierUS Schools Challenge to recognize schools that excel in
fostering healthy eating and physical activity among students. As a professional athlete, I am very
concerned with nutrition and exercise in my own life, and I believe it is
important to promote their importance to our nation’s youth.
Last week, I was
honored to accompany First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary Vilsack to Hollin
Meadows Elementary School, a recipient of a HealthierUS Schools Challenge
Silver Star. We met teachers,
students, parents and administrators in learning about the programs that have
made the school such a success.
I have several interesting tours lined up over the next couple of weeks, while
I also work on putting the finishing touches on my projects here at USDA. I
hope all of the readers out there have a great Thanksgiving!Ross Ohlendorf, a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, is spending part of his off-season at the United States Department of Agriculture. A graduate of Princeton University, he is spending eight weeks as an intern with USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs.
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Posted:
09:38AM Nov 24, 2009
by USDAblogger in USDA Web Site |
Tuesday Nov 24, 2009
Posted by marie on December 08, 2009 at 11:40 AM EST #