The science is clear about physical activity and health, and sports is one way for youth to get the physical activity they need to achieve optimal health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is taking action to unite U.S. youth sports culture around a shared vision: that one day, all young people will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports — regardless of their race, ethnicity, sex, ability, or ZIP code. The President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition is committed to elevating the scientific research related to youth sports through the re-instatement the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Science Board. The Science Board is a subcommittee of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition comprised of academic scholars and a Council member.
Today, ODPHP is excited to announce the members of the 2020-2021 President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Science Board. This group of academic and medical experts will provide the Council with a solid scientific foundation in youth sports research.
The 2020-2021 Science Board will focus on youth sports and support the Council and HHS in implementing and promoting the National Youth Sports Strategy.
The 2020-2021 Science Board includes experts from academic and medical institutions across the country specializing in varied aspects of youth sports including – benefits of participation, development and specialization, burnout, coaching, injury, nutrition, interventions to improve and increase youth participation, and more.
The members of the 2020-2021 President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Science Board are:
- Bradley J. Cardinal, PhD – Oregon State University, Science Board Chair
- Nan Hayworth, MD – Member of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition
- Matthew T. Bowers, PhD – University of Texas at Austin
- Erin E. Centeio, PhD – University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
- Travis E. Dorsch, PhD – Utah State University
- Cara B. Ebbeling, PhD. MS – Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School
- Cynthia LaBella, MD – Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and Northwestern
- Felipe Lobelo, MD, PhD – Emory University
- Kathryn Lucas, PT, DPT – University of Kentucky
- Karin Allor Pfeiffer, PhD, FACSM – Michigan State University
- Matthew J. Robinson, EdD – University of Delaware
- Alan L. Smith, PhD, FNAK – Michigan State University
- John O. Spengler, JD, PhD – Texas A&M University
- Meredith A. Whitley, PhD – Adelphi University
