First Lady Wraps 'Let's Move' Tour in Florida - East Idaho News

First Lady Wraps ‘Let’s Move’ Tour in Florida

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GETTY P 093011 FirstLadyMichelleObama?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1328995230958Alex Wong/Getty Images(LONGWOOD, Fla.) — Michelle Obama concluded a three-day, four-state tour in Florida Saturday promoting the anniversary of her signature “Let’s Move” initiative.

Launched two years ago, the campaign has been a key aspect of her tenure as first lady and is designed to advance healthy eating and exercise in American children.

In a trip that has spanned Texas, Arkansas, Iowa, and the Sunshine State, the first lady has barely paused. The tour has seen her participate in events with Bravo’s Top Chef and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders highlighting healthy school lunches in Texas. At Little Rock Air Force Base she announced efforts to improve nutrition in the military. And in Florida on Friday she participated in a town hall with WebMD.

But Saturday afternoon the tour officially concluded with a stop at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex at Disney World. With a company of Disney stars and professional athletes, Mrs. Obama participated in tennis, soccer, and number of other game activities for the children present. She also demonstrated a new dance move. Called “the platypus walk,” the first lady danced, flapped her arms and twisted, inspired by the Disney TV show “Phineas and Herb,” which features a platypus character.

Also in attendance was Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), who did over 50 pushups in front of a crowd of roughly 1,400 youngsters and adults.

Earlier in the morning the first lady visited the Northland Church in Longwood, Florida to speak to an assembly of religious congregations. Addressing a crowd of over 3,000 and consisting of 15 denominations,  she implored religious organizations to take an active role in promoting a healthy living.

“We know that government doesn’t have all the answers,” Mrs. Obama told the stadium-style house of worship. “Every family and every community is different.  Each of us needs to make the changes that fit with our budgets, our beliefs, and our tastes. “

She gave credit to some churches for creating what she called “no-fry zones” in their communities and sponsoring walks. But she also called on food distributors and restaurant chains to take up a responsibility of adding more nutritious options to their menus. It is a theme she’s often repeated during the tour.

She concluded the event by announcing the launch of a new project through the USDA: churches and other organizations can submit videos to the administration demonstrating how they are promoting active lives for youth. The top entrants will be invited to a reception at the White House.

The Obama administration claims “Let’s Move” has encouraged 1,500 schools to adopt more nutritious cafeteria menus and led to a commitment from several major national food distributors and restaurants to cutting calories in their products.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

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