The PGA of America taking part in 'Move It Movement'

Family Golf Month is more than just about spending time on the course with your family -- it's about introducing the game to your family, sharing its enjoyment and reaping its benefits. One significant benefit of playing golf is the fitness component of the game -- the more you play, the more exercise you get, the more health you'll enjoy.

It's with that thought in mind that the PGA of America has partnered with the Cartoon Network for its third annual MOVE IT MOVEMENT TOUR, a summer campaign targeting youth 6-14 designed to promote the benefits of exercise while fighting the problem of childhood obesity.

"Golf is a great family activity because it gets everyone outside and active for several hours of the day," said David Donatucci, director of fitness and performance for The PGA of America. "The best thing about golf as exercise is that it doesn’t feel like you’re exercising. Walking 18 holes through beautiful scenery is a fun, moderate exercise that the people of all ages can enjoy."

Cartoon Network recently announced launch plans for its third annual MOVE IT MOVEMENT TOUR, in partnership with the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition and in support of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! initiative. The 17-market tour will launched officially June 10 in Atlanta -- on the heels of National Physical Fitness & Sports Month in May -- and travels throughout the country to prime family locations in 17 key markets, sponsored by local cable affiliates. The tour will ultimately make its way back to the Midwest, concluding Aug. 12 in Houston.

Presented in a themed, exciting and fun outdoor environment, the MOVE IT MOVEMENT TOUR will feature multiple activity and learning stations, incorporating such additional core partner organizations as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), NBA/WNBA FIT & NBA Hoop Troop, NFL PLAY 60 and The PGA of America.

The MOVE IT MOVEMENT TOUR is part of Cartoon Network's long-established, award-winning pro-social efforts to provide support and encouragement in the ongoing battle against childhood obesity through such varied activities as daily recess, health & wellness education and active after-school involvement. The in-market traveling tour will be supported extensively by Cartoon Network and its participating cable affiliates. Top markets currently scheduled for the 2012 tour route include New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Detroit, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, Tampa, Denver, Sacramento, Orlando, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis.

In an effort to sustain daily fitness and positive nutritional behavior, Cartoon Network is again working with the President's Council on Fitness, Sport & Nutrition to promote youth and family registration and participation-both in-school and at after-school facilities-in the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA+). The MOVE IT MOVEMENT TOUR will spotlight the PALA+ program at its own activity station, and feature it among Cartoon Network's on-air and digital platforms. PALA+ is the next phase of PALA designed to motivate Americans to make physical activity and healthy eating part of their everyday life. The physical activity requirements for PALA+ remain the same: 60 minutes/day for kids, 30 minutes/day for adults, five days a week for six out of eight weeks. The new nutrition component requires participants to add a weekly healthy eating goal and build upon those goals throughout the same six-week period. Individuals who achieve the physical activity and healthy eating goals will receive a certificate signed by the Council Co-chairs Drew Brees and Dominique Dawes.

Families planning to visit and participate in the MOVE IT MOVEMENT TOUR can enjoy a host of activities, including the PGA of America Driving Range -- drive the ball for accuracy and distance with The PGA driving range! Top scores are posted on the PGA Sports Academy leaderboard.