The Arkansas
Department of Education (ADE) is pleased to share information with school
districts regarding an important opportunity to celebrate and promote student
health and wellness: Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ #RazorbackReady2026 Fitness Challenge in
observance of National Physical Education and Sport Week.
Governor’s #RazorbackReady2026 Fitness
Challenge
On April 20,
2026, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in partnership with the Arkansas
Department of Education, announced the launch of the #RazorbackReady2026
Fitness Challenge, a statewide initiative designed to build enthusiasm for
physical fitness and support the return of the Presidential Fitness Test to
Arkansas public schools beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
The Governor
has signed an executive order requiring Arkansas public schools to begin
incorporating elements of the Presidential Fitness Test into physical education
practices for the 2026–2027 school year. To encourage participation and
generate excitement, school districts are invited to take part in the
#RazorbackReady2026 Fitness Challenge by showcasing student fitness in a
creative and engaging way.
How the
Challenge Works:
- Schools may participate by posting a 60–90 second video of students completing components of the Presidential Fitness Test.
- Videos should be shared on social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, or X) using the hashtag #RazorbackReady2026.
- The challenge runs from April 20 through May 22, 2026.
- Submissions will be evaluated based on creativity, student participation, and social media engagement.
As part of the
reinstated Presidential Fitness Test, students may engage in activities such
as:
- One-mile run (cardiovascular endurance)
- Sit-ups (one minute) to assess abdominal strength and endurance
- Push-ups or pull-ups (upper body strength)
- Shuttle run (agility and speed)
- Sit-and-reach (flexibility)
The winning
school will be announced later this summer and will receive a visit from the
University of Arkansas Head Basketball Coach, John Calipari.
National
Physical Education and Sport Week (May 1–7, 2026)
In addition to
the Governor’s initiative, ADE encourages districts to align participation in
the #RazorbackReady2026 Fitness Challenge with National Physical Education and
Sport Week, observed annually from May 1–7. This national celebration, led by
SHAPE America, highlights the critical role physical education and health
education play in supporting students’ physical, social, and emotional
development.
National
Physical Education and Sport Week provides an opportunity for schools to:
- Celebrate the contributions of health and physical education programs and educators;
- Promote active lifestyles and lifelong fitness habits for students; and
- Engage families and communities in physical activity and wellness initiatives.
SHAPE
America offers a variety of optional resources to support schools during
this week, including themed activity calendars, spirit week ideas, and advocacy
tools that may be adapted to meet local needs.
The Arkansas
Department of Education encourages school districts to take advantage of both
the #RazorbackReady2026 Fitness Challenge and National Physical Education and
Sport Week as complementary opportunities to promote student wellness,
celebrate physical education, and highlight the positive impact of healthy,
active lifestyles on attendance, engagement, and learning outcomes.
Districts are
invited to participate in these initiatives in ways that best align with local
schedules, facilities, and student needs. Together, these state and national
efforts provide a meaningful platform to showcase the important work taking
place in Arkansas schools to support the whole child.
These initiatives highlight the
important role Arkansas schools play in supporting student health, fitness, and
well-being across the state.