Copyright 2009 Paul Morse / Getty Images

Boston Celtics Captain Paul Pierce  announced that he is launching The Truth on Health Campaign, a national effort designed to bring health and fitness to America’s youth. He made the announcement in the company of some of the world’s foremost leaders including Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in New York City.

The seven-time NBA All-Star will personally oversee the Truth on Health’s signature component, FitClub34, a web-based “Fit” club that provides children with the information, resources, and tools necessary to become more active and physically fit. The program encourages 10-14 year-olds from New England and across the country to make a one-year pledge to eat healthy and engage in sixty minutes of daily physical activity.

Pierce attended the Clinton Global Initiative to meet with experts on global health and economics in order to share ideas and discuss effective solutions for the critical societal issue of sedentary lifestyles among America’s youth. President Clinton established CGI to turn ideas into action and to facilitate a more integrated global community of shared benefits, responsibilities, and values. By gathering world leaders from a variety of backgrounds, CGI creates a unique opportunity to channel the capacities of individuals and organizations to realize change.

FitClub34 provides kids who participate in the program with monthly challenges, healthy recipes and reward-based incentives from local businesses. To encourage youth engagement and parental involvement, the initiative will be supported by a comprehensive, multi-media public service campaign to reinforce Pierce’s message about leading healthier lifestyles.

“It’s truly an honor for me to be in the company of some of the world’s most distinguished leaders. These people are the true heroes,” said Pierce. “I’m leading this effort because I feel it’s important that anyone fortunate enough to be in my position should leverage their star power to make a positive impact on the community. Staying active and eating well has been a huge part of my success, so I think it’s critical that kids understand how important exercise and nutrition are to leading a happy and fulfilling life.”

FitClub34 will launch on September 26th in Boston with a media event featuring Pierce, local kids and their families, and FitClub34 health and exercise specialists. Local celebrity chefs will also be on hand to demonstrate the preparation of nutritious meals.

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