SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 7, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- A star-studded team of athletes, mental health
professionals, and physical fitness experts convened on the West
Steps of The California State Capitol on May
1 for Move Your Body Calm Your Mind Day, hosted by
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the Governor's Advisory
Council on Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being. The event
highlighted the connection between movement and mindfulness to a
person's overall well-being.
The former professional athletes on-hand for the event included:
Drew Robinson, former MLB player and
current SF Giants Mental Health Advocate; Kristi Yamaguchi, Olympic Gold Medal Figure
Skater; Brandi Chastain, former
USWNT soccer player; and Amobi
Okugo, former Major League Soccer Player.
Two California student-athletes
who have personally battled mental health challenges shared their
mental health journeys and reinforced the important balance of
physical fitness and mental well-being. To recognize their
inspiring journeys, Myron "MJ" Amey Jr., a basketball player at
San Jose State, and Cameron Nelsen, a volleyball player at
Antelope Valley College, were presented
with the CalHOPE Courage Award.
The event featured information and education from more than 25
organizations throughout California offering programs to support
physical fitness and mental well-being. A host of interactive
activities were also featured, including exercise bikes, a mini
soccer field, Tai Chi, Qigong,
dance, and much more.
Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind was launched in 2023 by the
Governor's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Mental
Well-Being, the California Department of Health Care Services, and
the California Department of Public Health. The goal is to provide
guidance and resources on physical activity and mental well-being
for Californians of all ages; increase awareness among all age
groups about the benefits of movement, sport, nutrition, and
overall mental wellness; encourage intergenerational physical
fitness activities; promote equitable access to outdoor and
physical activities for underserved communities; and facilitate
collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies, education,
business and industry, the private sector, and others in the
promotion of movement and mental wellness. The campaign provides
inclusive and accessible ways for Californians to get active and to
take steps to improve their overall well-being. Learn more at
https://moveyourbodycalmyourmind.org/
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SOURCE Governor's Advisory Council on Physical Fitness &
Mental Well-Being