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History

Maine’s first Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports was initiated by Governor John McKernon (1987-1995).  The Council served during Governor McKernon’s term, advising the Governor on a limited basis.  During the years that followed, the Maine Cardiovascular Health Council, through their partnerships, addressed cardiovascular health risk factors throughout their scope of work in the areas of blood pressure control, diabetes education programs, cholesterol awareness, supported smoking cessation interventions and improved nutrition.  The one remaining risk factor that still needed attention was physical activity.  Through the combined efforts of the Maine Cardiovascular Health Council and the State of Maine Bureau of Health, the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports was re-established by Governor Angus King.  In an Executive Order dated January 30, 1996, twenty members were appointed to serve on the Council.  Dean Paterson, RN, Manager of Health Education for Healthsource Maine, Inc., at that time, was appointed as the first Chair.  A part-time staff position was created to provide administrative support to the Council and Council activities, funded by federal block grant money through the Bureau of Health.

Initially, the Council focused on the development of a mission statement, By-laws, a systematic approach to governance, and a strategic approach to developing the Council, its membership and its vision.  Enthusiastic and purposeful planning followed with strategies to address the Council’s mission of education, awareness, and advocacy.

In May 1999, twenty members were appointed and/or re-appointed for second terms to the Council in a ceremony at the State House Hall of Flags in Augusta.  Council members continued to provide leadership by advocating for policies and programs that promote physical activity for Maine people.  Members, all serving at the pleasure of their employers, organizations or as individuals, promote physical activity as a lifelong principle in action for all Maine citizens to engage in healthier lifestyles.  As the enthusiasm grew, more people wanted to be involved with the Council and promote the benefits of physical activity.  A cadre of liaisons has grown over the years and has become an essential source of energy in accomplishing the Council’s goals.

The second Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports was a group of highly skilled, dedicated and resourceful leaders in the state.  In 2002, the Council created an opportunity for a student intern from the University of Southern Maine to experience the “real work” of advocating for promotion of physical activity.  During the internship the Council and the student benefited -- program materials were developed, articles were contributed to our newsletter, and a web page was created to promote the benefits of physical activity.

The Council sponsors ACES (All Children Exercising Simultaneously), an international event to promote physical fitness in schools that takes place on the first Wednesday in May each year; Contest for Communities, a celebration recognizing Maine people who are involved in promoting physical activity; and Legislative Wellness Day, an event providing health screenings and materials on health and physical activity specifically for legislators.  Through these programs the Council has been successful in raising the awareness of the importance of health and physical activity for the people of Maine.

In 2003 Governor John Baldacci declared a Governor’s Council for his administration with the appointment of 25 members.  The February 14, 2003, proclamation includes an expanded role for the Council.  We are aptly described as the Maine Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Sports, Health and Wellness and we work with the Governor towards a healthy and active future for Maine.  Members of the Council participated in the development of the Maine Physical Activity and Nutrition Plan 2005-2010.

In September 2004, the Council kicked off the pilot of a new physical activity initiative for the people of Maine.  Maine in Motion is an activity program that uses pedometers to provide an immediate feedback mechanism to measure rates of activity.  Through the use of a log, and other supporting materials, participants keep track of their daily activity levels.  At the end of each 8-12 week session incentive prizes and medals are presented to those who met their goals of increasing their daily physical activity levels.  The program was expanded in 2005 and 2006, with a variety of options for participation.  Maine in Motion was funded by numerous individuals and donations.

The ACES program has expanded each year with more and more participants from schools across the State.  A teacher’s resource manual of ideas was developed and distributed to participating schools.  In 2006, Governor Baldacci joined in the ACES day activities at Farrington School in Augusta.

In 2006, the Council began promoting National Employee Health and Fitness Day in conjunction with the National Association for Health and Fitness.

The Council is a member of the National Association for Health & Fitness, the membership organization for State-level physical activity promotion programs across the country.  In 2005, two people from Maine were elected to the NAHF Board of Directors.  In 2006, at the annual NAHF conference, the Maine Council was presented with the Goldstar “Council of the Year Award” for exemplary contributions to physical activity promotion.

A Governor’s Summit on physical activity was convened by the Council in June 2006 in collaboration with the Maine Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s Physical Activity & Nutrition Program.