Posted on 07/18/2003 6:27:26 PM PDT by MeekOneGOP
Bush promotes fitness at Dallas YMCA07/18/2003
President Bush didn't cause much of a stir Friday at the Lakewest YMCA pool.
In fact, a few young swimmers weren't convinced that the gentleman in the blue plaid shirt was the presidential visitor they had been promised.
"That isn't him," one child announced as Mr. Bush greeted a group of campers.
"Yes it is. That's the president," his friend informed him.
Mr. Bush, who was in town for a $2,000-a-plate campaign fund-raiser, stopped by the Lakewest YMCA for a quick tour and to tout the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
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Video: Don Wall reports There, an army of young campers showcased their dedication to physical fitness when Mr. Bush dropped in on their swimming and exercise classes.
After spending a few moments in the blazing sun, the president threatened to jump in the outdoor pool, but he opted to stay on deck for a safety demonstration.
"I'm envious," Mr. Bush told the swimmers floating across the pool.
Inside, the president lauded the efforts of kids doing calisthenics.
"You all are working out a lot," he said to children doing jumping jacks and toe-touches. "Do you like exercise? It's very important."
Mr. Bush, who said he grew up playing basketball at the YMCA in Midland, deemed Lakewest "overwhelmingly beautiful" and complimented its dedicated staff.
The west Dallas YMCA, which was built with the help of the Dallas Housing Authority, opened two years ago in the middle of low-income neighborhoods.
On Friday, public-housing residents lined up outside their apartments across from Lakewest, straining to get a glimpse of the president.
Michael Ainsworth / DMNMost of the children who attend the YMCA's summer camp live in public housing. Almost all are minorities.
YMCA staff members said Lakewest filled a need in the neighborhood for a safe haven. Here, kids can find mentors who teach them about maintaining a healthy mind, body and spirit.
Mr. Bush said the YMCA has taught generations of children to love exercise.
"We were pleased to see little youngsters doing jumping jacks, with enthusiasm I might add," Mr. Bush said.
After touring the pool and the teen center, Mr. Bush detailed his fitness initiative for the crowd that packed the gymnasium. Compelling Americans to exercise and eat well is the best health care plan for the country, the president said.
Eat less grease and more fruit and exercise at least 30 minutes per day, the president suggested.
"Americans will feel better if they accept the challenge," he said. "Once you get hooked on exercise, it is hard to get off."
Helping the country to get healthy will save billions of dollars in medical bills and will help prevent health problems such as diabetes and heart disease, Mr. Bush said.
Former NFL star Lynn Swann, chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, joined Mr. Bush at Lakewest. On Friday, Mr. Swann launched a new web site (www.presidentschallenge.org) aimed at helping both children and adults develop a physical fitness program.
The president, who is an avid jogger, has led by example when it comes to staying fit, said Mr. Swann, who was part of three Super Bowl champions as part of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"The talk is not enough. You've got to walk the walk," he said. "Our president doesn't walk it - he runs it."
Mr. Bush asked the crowd to join him in taking four steps to improve their health. Do physical activity every day and eat healthy foods, he said. Make healthy choices by avoiding cigarettes and drugs and get preventive screenings, the president added.
If everyone followed that advice, "we'd be a much healthier nation," Mr. Bush said.
E-mail cmccain@dallasnews.com
Online at: http://www.dallasnews.com/latestnews/stories/071903dnmetbushymca.a0670c86.html
Gotta love it !"Americans will feel better if they accept the challenge," he said. "Once you get hooked on exercise, it is hard to get off."
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The Dallas Morning News printed another article on Bush today. They are fishwrap too, especially when David Jackson (DMN resident Bush-basher) goes to town !!So glad to hear of the POSITIVE article in your local ! Thanks !!
A great leader, imho ! Leads by example.I need to do better/more, too !!
Thanks.
ha ha !! I bet that's right !
Yep, I think that's right. Gee, they hardly seem old enough to smoke !Oh, an OLD picture from the Bush I administration, at Kennebunkport I think.
Great quote from Lynn Swann (for the tagline file):
"The talk is not enough. You've got to walk the walk," he said. "Our president doesn't walk it - he runs it."
No one told him that the self-proclaimed leader of the African-American people was holding court in Miami and demanding other free Americans bow down at his alter of victimization. (^:
Thanks.Yep, he runs it is right - literally runs.
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