National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2026

For National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation celebrating the "American competitive spirit" and announcing a series of initiatives aimed at restoring traditional fitness standards and ensuring fairness in athletic competition.Key highlights from the President’s proclamation include:The President emphasized that a "country is only as strong as its citizens" and announced an effort to usher in a "New Golden Age of physical fitness":The Presidential Fitness Test: Marking the 70th anniversary of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, the administration has officially reestablished the Presidential Fitness Test in schools to encourage excellence among the nation's youth.Council Revitalization: The administration is working with professional athletes and major league organizations to make exercise and nutrition national priorities once again.President Trump detailed executive actions intended to protect traditional athletic structures:Women’s Athletics: The President highlighted an Executive Order designed to "keep men out of women’s athletics," which he framed as a necessary step to protect equal opportunities for women and girls to excel.College Sports Reform: The administration is taking steps to preserve scholarships and roster spots for student-athletes across all sports. This includes enforcing "clear, consistent, and fair rules" regarding athlete compensation, transfers, and eligibility.As the United States prepares to host the Presidents Cup, the FIFA World Cup, and the Olympic Games over the next three years, the administration is launching a new national competition:The Patriot Games: To celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, the administration will host the Patriot Games this fall.The Format: The competition will feature one young man and one young woman from every state and territory, showcasing the brightest up-and-coming athletic talent in the country.The proclamation argues that physical dedication "sharpens the mind" and "steels the will," producing the character necessary for citizens to meet modern challenges. The President noted that the greatness of the nation is "forged only through hard work, sweat, and an unrelenting demand for success."The President called upon all Americans—particularly the youth—to get involved in sports and physical activity. He concluded by pledging to defend a "culture of strength, vitality, and excellence" as the nation moves into its next 250 years.Revitalizing Fitness and NutritionRestoring "Integrity and Fairness" in SportsThe "Patriot Games" and Global CompetitionsThe "American Identity" through FitnessConclusion