The eight-time All-Star has been named a National Athlete Spokesperson for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Pierce will work with the Alliance’s empowerME Kids' Movement to encourage kids to exercise, eat healthy and be leaders in the battle against childhood obesity.
Former President Bill Clinton supports Pierce's initiative.
"The childhood obesity epidemic in the U.S. impacts nearly one in three children between the ages of 9 and 17, and young people are having health problems, such as type-2 diabetes, that we previously had only seen in adults," Clinton said. "Paul Pierce, and other athletes and national figures, are integral to our efforts to address this epidemic and inspire kids to eat healthy, stay active and make healthier lifestyle choices."
Pierce wants children to understand the importance of exercise and nutrition.
"I struggled with my own weight as a young man, and I have seen my family, friends and community struggle with not having enough opportunities to eat well and engage in physical activity," Pierce said. "Staying active and eating well has been a huge part of my success, and I think it is critical that kids everywhere understand how important exercise and nutrition are to a happy, successful life."
Pierce will also help develop videos and activities to be used as resources for the Alliance's Healthy Schools Program.
In addition, Pierce has launched The Truth on Health, a Web site with information, resources and tools necessary for youth to fight obesity. The Truth on Health features information from the Alliance's empowerME Kids’ Movement to help young people create healthy habits for life, including eating fruits and vegetables with every meal, getting 60 minutes of physical activity each day, reducing sugary beverages, cutting down on screen time and getting at least nine hours of sleep each night.
