US President Donald Trump today exhorted the American youths to participate in sports as he raised concern over the decline in students participating in such activities.
"In 2016, only 37 per cent of young kids played team sports on a regular basis, down from 45 per cent from 10 years ago, and the decline has been even worse among students from low-income families. We must reverse these trends, and we will. We're making it possible for you to do that," Trump said at the White House Sports and Fitness Day.
As such, for the first time in history, Trump said, he has directed the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition council to work with the White House and Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar to develop a national strategy to increase youth participation.
He also boasted of his huge following on social media during the event where he described the virtues of fitness and sports.
"Do I have social skills? I don't know. I have social media, that's for sure. I don't know about skill, but I have a lot of media," Trump said.
Trump boasts about having over 100 million followers on social media.
"All of life's most valuable lessons are learned on the field of competition. There, young Americans will discover -- that's what they do. They discover. They're learning all the time, the importance of teamwork, social skills," Trump said, counting several benefits associated with indulging in physical activities.
"The skills learned on the field through competition brings in the ability to overcome adversity, making lifelong friends all along the way. The skills learned out on the track field, and the court, and the diamond, and the gridiron, and the golf course, and those tennis courts are skills that will serve young Americans for the rest of their lives," Trump said.
The 71-year-old US president said participating in sports builds character, forges friendships, tears down barriers and brings people from all walks of life closer together.
"I've loved sports all of my life. I always loved the people of sports, but I have loved sports all of my life. Sports also helps kids stay off the street, and stay out of trouble."
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