WHEREAS, New York State has an interest in encouraging its residents to participate in health and physical fitness activities that will help them live healthier, happier and more productive lives;

WHEREAS, our schools, worksites, senior citizen centers and communities provide a unique opportunity to educate our residents about the importance of physical fitness and sound nutrition as integral components of a healthy lifestyle;

WHEREAS, it is well documented that physical fitness is an important aspect of maintaining good physical and mental health;

WHEREAS, physical fitness can provide a stronger and more productive work force, and reduce stress and stress-related diseases;

WHEREAS, the promotion of current health, fitness and sports events sponsored by State agencies and advocacy groups across the State would be enhanced by a council of representatives who share a commitment to health and fitness; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mario M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of New York, do hereby order as follows:

I. New York State Governor's Council on Lifetime Health, Fitness and Sports

There is hereby created, within New York State, a council to be known as the Governor's Council on Lifetime Health, Fitness and Sports.

II. Purpose of Council

The mission of the council is to foster and encourage New York residents, through schools, worksites, and communities, to participate more actively in health and fitness activities that will promote healthier, happier and more productive lives.

III. Goals of the Council

The goals of the council shall be:

— to increase awareness of the health and economic benefits associated with physically active lifestyles for all New Yorkers;

— to reduce preventable diseases and health risks by encouraging New Yorkers to increase their physical activity;

— to improve youth and adult health, fitness and well being in New York State;

— to encourage the formal health assessment of health behaviors in New York State;

— to serve in an advisory capacity to State agencies on issues related to fitness, wellness and health promotion;

— to coordinate with the Education Department, the Department of Health, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Office for the Aging and professional and not-for-profit organizations;

— to organize a fitness and health promotion network to share and disseminate information regarding health promotion activities;

— to identify funding sources for the purpose of promoting healthy lifestyles;

— to act as a resource to schools, worksites and community-based programs;

— to encourage and support research relating to health and fitness;

— to promote and assist in implementing activities outlined in the documents Compact for Learning and Healthy People 2000—specifically, the importance of self-esteem, the promotion of physical activity, fitness and nutrition, and abstinence from tobacco, alcohol and other drugs;

— to conduct an annual conference or workshop on fitness and health promotion;

— to give recognition to outstanding developments or achievements in, and contributions to, physical fitness and amateur sports;

— to collaborate with public, private, and parochial schools in developing comprehensive health and fitness programs for students and staff;

— to encourage the promotion of multicultural and intergenerational health, fitness and sports activities; and

— to publish a newsletter with information on how to promote health and physical fitness among all New Yorkers.

IV. Council Membership

The council shall be comprised of 15 members of which one shall be designated as the chairperson.

All council members, including the chairperson, shall be appointed by the Governor and shall serve at his pleasure without compensation. Council members shall be selected because of their experience and interest in fitness or amateur athletics and shall share a commitment to promote health and fitness in the State.

The council shall develop a strategic plan to accomplish the goals as outlined and shall meet at least quarterly, and whenever the Governor or chairperson determines that a meeting is necessary. Eight members shall constitute a quorum. The council shall adopt such guidelines as are necessary and proper to govern its procedures and business.

V. Advisory Committee

There is created in the Governor's Office the Lifetime Health, Fitness and Sports Advisory Committee, hereafter referred to as the “committee.” The committee shall consist of no more than 40 people who maintain an active concern for the health and fitness of New Yorkers or who have distinguished themselves in sports. All members of the committee, including a chairperson, shall be appointed by the Governor and shall serve at his pleasure without compensation. Committee members shall serve in an advisory capacity to the council, and specific responsibilities shall be determined by the committee and council chairpersons.

VI. Certificates for Participation

The Council shall develop methods to recognize persons who participate in health and fitness programs.

VII. Financial Contributions

All contributions to the council will be made to the Governor's Council on Lifetime Health, Fitness and Sports. Contributions will be held in an account under the council's name in the Natural Heritage Trust.