Fla. Gov. Crist Names Chris Evert Of Boca Raton As Governor’s Point Of Light On Physical Fitness Day

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. /Florida Newswire/ — Governor Charlie Crist yesterday, April 28, recognized Christine “Chris” Evert of Boca Raton as a Governor’s Point of Light. The Governor made the announcement during an event honoring Florida Physical Fitness Day. “It is appropriate that we recognize one of the all-time great Florida athletes, Chris Evert, as a Governor’s Point of Light on Florida Physical Fitness Day,” said Governor Crist. “In her efforts to generously support the children and families in her community, she has demonstrated the same commitment that made her a tennis champion. A native Floridian, Chris is truly a role-model, not just for young athletes, but for all the people of Florida.”

Chris Evert is a winner of 18 Grand Slam titles, the third best in tennis history. She holds 157 tennis titles and spent seven years ranked as the number-one player in the world. In 1995, Evert was unanimously elected to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Since her retirement in 1989, Evert has been hosting the Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic in Boca Raton. Her community involvement through this tournament and Chris Evert Charities has helped raise more than $18.4 million in an ongoing campaign against drug abuse and child neglect in Florida. Chris Evert Charities is a non-profit organization established to help ensure a bright future for children and their families.

In addition to Chris Evert Charities, Evert also donates her time and efforts to other worthwhile programs including the Special Olympics, the March of Dimes, the Martina Navratilova Youth Foundation, the Michael Bolton Foundation, the Ounce of Prevention Fund of Florida, the America AIDS Foundation, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis, and the Red Cross.

During his remarks, Governor Crist highlighted the generosity of Evert and the commitment she has shown to her community. He also invited her to become a member of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. The Governor emphasized the importance of healthy living choices and reiterated that there is more work to be done in the fight against obesity, particularly among young people.

To learn more about Chris Evert’s charity, log on to www.chrisevert.org.

About the Governor Point of Light Award

AAA Auto Club South is the supporting sponsor of the Governor’s Points of Light Award. Walt Disney World is an in-kind supporter. This program recognizes Florida residents who demonstrate exemplary service to the community. Award recipients are announced weekly. A panel of judges comprised of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service evaluate all nominations and make recommendations to the Governor. Florida’s Foundation, formerly the Volunteer Florida Foundation, manages the program. For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org.

About the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness

In 2007, Governor Crist established the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. The Council was directed to develop a state plan of action to increase Floridians’ level of physical fitness through regular exercise and sound nutrition practices. The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness is comprised of 23 professionals with varying expertise from government, businesses, athletes, community organizations and private citizens. The council has developed a state plan of action containing 39 recommendations to increase physical fitness through regular exercise and sound nutrition practices among Floridians of all ages and to reduce the rate of obesity and resulting chronic diseases in Floridians within the next 10 years. To learn more about the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, please visit www.HealthyFloridians.com.

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Florida Physical Fitness Day

WHEREAS, physical fitness, recreation, and sound nutrition are central components of a healthy, meaningful, and productive life; and

WHEREAS, it is important to encourage all Floridians, especially our children, to choose lifelong exercise and eating habits that combat obesity and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases; and

WHEREAS, the establishment of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness by Executive Order in March 2007, has elevated the Sunshine State as a national leader in health, physical fitness, and further highlights Florida’s unique outdoor living activities due to the abundance of award-winning beaches, state parks, greenways and trails; and

WHEREAS, the council members are comprised of a broad range of interested educational and health care representatives, advocates for senior citizens and persons with special needs, and physical fitness and sports organizations; and

WHEREAS, these members are charged with the task of recommending a state plan of action to promote physical fitness and nutrition; and

WHEREAS, the Governor’s Fitness Challenge was created to help elementary and middle school students improve their lives through physical fitness, as well as provide guidance and incentives to schools to help boost physical fitness for children; and

WHEREAS, Florida Physical Fitness Day is a special opportunity to encourage our state legislators, local leaders, and our citizens to work together and improve the health of all Floridians through physical fitness;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Charlie Crist, Governor of the State of Florida do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing April 28, 2010, as Florida Physical Fitness Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of April, in the year two thousand ten.

Charlie Crist

Governor.