The White House chose Des Moines as the first stop in First Lady Michelle Obama’s three-day tour to celebrate the second anniversary of Let’s Move!, a program to reduce childhood obesity and instill good nutrition and fitness habits in children. Iowa was selected because of the Healthiest State Initiative. The event was held on Thursday, February 9, at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. More than 10,000 students in grades 6 through 9 attended this invitation-only event. Joining the First Lady was NASCAR’s Carl Edwards, Olympic figure skating champion Michelle Kwan, Olympic champion gymnast Shawn Johnson, WNBA MVP Tamika Catchings, Iowa State men’s basketball head coach Fred Hoiberg, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Health and Fitness Expert and trainer on the “Biggest Loser” Bob Harper. There was music, movement and motivational messages about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Visit our Facebook page to see more photos of this great event.
For more information about Let’s Move! visit www.letsmove.gov/.
Students at Stilwell Junior High in West Des Moines were eager to attend Let’s Move! Day. Read some of the essays that the students wrote to explain why they are interested in attending the event and how the opportunity may positively impact their lives.