WASHINGTON, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. first lady Michelle Obama Saturday helped celebrate the completion of the Million PALA Challenge, an effort to get people to be more physically active.
The goal of the program started in September 2010 was to get 1 million Americans of all ages to take the time and effort to earn a Presidential Active Lifestyle Award. The White House said in a release that 1.7 million people actually completed the challenge, which was sponsored by Let's Move and the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
Obama joined children and families at Nickelodeon's Worldwide Day of Play to mark the occasion.
"I'm so proud of all the kids and families who rose to the challenge and got active this year," Obama said. "The Million PALA Challenge helped shine a spotlight on the childhood obesity epidemic and I know we can all keep up the momentum and keep moving to help our kids lead healthy, active lives."
The first lady, who cheered kids who tackled an obstacle course at the Nickelodeon event, also announced a new and improved version of the program called PALA +.
