Mike Tyson reveals why he is backing the ‘Congressional Fitness Challenge’

Schools across the country may soon have the opportunity to participate in the “Congressional Fitness Challenge,” a new program introduced by Rep. Abe Hamadeh, R-Ariz. This voluntary initiative would allow students who successfully complete the challenge to receive a signed certificate from high-ranking government officials, including the speaker of the House, president pro tempore of the Senate, and the student’s senator and congressman.

Legendary boxer Mike Tyson, who runs the Tyson Transformational Technologies Academy in Arizona, expressed his support for the program in an interview with Fox News Digital. Tyson emphasized the importance of physical fitness, noting that a large percentage of Americans aged 17 to 24 would require a waiver to serve in the military due to their poor physical condition. Tyson believes that initiatives like the Congressional Fitness Challenge could help address this issue and improve the overall health and fitness of the American population.

The challenge would be open to students in K-12 public and private schools, as well as home schoolers who participate in testing groups. Additionally, members of Congress who organize community events for the challenge would also be eligible to participate. The program’s benchmarks would be inspired by the historical Presidential Physical Fitness Test, which was popularized in the 1960s.

Participants in the challenge would be required to complete a series of physical tests, including a mile-long run or walk, pull-ups or a flexed arm hang, curl-ups, sit-ups, shuttle runs, and sit-and-reach exercises. Students who perform well would be recognized with gold, silver, and bronze level distinctions based on their percentile ranking. The goal is to encourage students to prioritize physical fitness and lead healthier lifestyles.

Other athletes, such as former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre and former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown, have also voiced their support for the resolution. Favre and Hamadeh co-wrote an op-ed emphasizing the importance of physical fitness for youth development and national prosperity.

Overall, the Congressional Fitness Challenge aims to address the rising obesity rates in the United States and promote a healthier population. By encouraging students to prioritize physical fitness and adopt healthier habits, the program hopes to create a stronger, more resilient generation of Americans. Schools like Tyson’s academy are eager to participate in the challenge and support efforts to improve the health and well-being of the country’s youth.