Trump promoting youth sports, activities

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump wants to reverse a trend of fewer children participating in sports and make youth sports more accessible to economically disadvantaged students.

The White House promoted the goals of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition during an event Wednesday at the White House. Trump joined athletes at stations including flag football, baseball, volleyball, golf, soccer and track and field.

Trump issued an executive order in February refocusing the council on youth sports as opposed to President Barack Obama's emphasis on fitness and healthy eating. Trump, who played high school sports and is a competitive golfer, has sought to work with groups in the public and private sectors to address declining participation in youth sports.

Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter and senior adviser, noted the Aspen Institute found 37 percent of children played team sports on a regular basis in 2016, down from nearly 45 percent in 2008.

She told reporters in a conference call ahead of the event sports participation lags disproportionately among young girls and children who live in economically distressed areas. Many high schools have "pay to play" policies requiring students pay a fee to join a school sports team, making it difficult for families to afford afterschool sports.

"We must break down barriers to youth sports participation and empower each child to reach his or her full potential through sport and play," Ivanka Trump said. She said by the time girls reach age 14, they drop out of athletics at two times the rate of boys.

Participants at the White House event included "The Incredible Hulk" actor Lou Ferrigno, who befriended Trump while appearing on "Celebrity Apprentice"; former New York Yankees' baseball players Johnny Damon and Mariano Rivera; former football star Herschel Walker; beach volleyball Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor; and professional golfer Natalie Gulbis.

The President's Council was established in 1956 by President Dwight Eisenhower to promote youth fitness and sports. Each president has often placed his own stamp on the council and its priorities.

During Obama's presidency, first lady Michelle Obama launched the sports council in 2010 in conjunction with her "Let's Move!" initiative and took part in hula-hooping and jumping rope as ways to fight childhood obesity.

Trump's administration plans to create a national strategy to promote youth participation in sports and set the stage for a series of events culminating around the 2020 Summer Olympics.