LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, alongside the Arkansas Department of Education, today announced the #RazorbackReady2026 challenge, a statewide initiative to promote the Presidential Fitness Test and encourage healthier, more active lifestyles among Arkansas students.
“President Trump is Making America Healthy Again and Arkansas is answering the call,” said Governor Sanders. “The #RazorbackReady2026 challenge is designed to get our students excited for the Presidential Fitness Test that is coming back to Arkansas schools next school year. We want our students to get excited, get creative, and most importantly, get active!”
“Research shows when students make healthy choices, attendance, concentration, and learning outcomes are all improved,” said Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva. “The #RazorbackReady2026 challenge rewards students engaged in the Presidential Fitness Test, and it emphasizes critical and creative thinking. I am proud of Governor Sanders for once again prioritizing matters that truly make a lasting difference in our state.”
The Governor signed an executive order requiring Arkansas public schools to begin incorporating elements of the Presidential Fitness Test in their physical education standards in the 2026-2027 school year. To build excitement and increase participation, the #RazorbackReady2026 challenge, invites schools across the state to showcase student fitness in a fun, competitive way.
Schools can participate in the challenge by posting a 60-90 second video of students completing the fitness test on social media like Facebook, Instagram, or X using the hashtag #RazorbackReady2026. The challenge will run from April 20 through May 22, with the winning school announced later this summer. Entries will be judged on components including, creativity, social media engagement, and student participation.
The winning school will receive a visit from University of Arkansas Head Basketball Coach John Calipari in the weeks following the competition.
As part of the reinstated Presidential Fitness Test, students will complete the following test components:
- One-Mile Run: A measure of cardiovascular endurance
- Sit-Ups (One Minute): To assess abdominal strength and endurance
- Push-Ups or Pull-Ups: Measuring upper body strength
- Shuttle Run: A test of agility and speed
- Sit-and-Reach: Assessing flexibility, particularly in the hamstrings and lower back
Students scoring at or above the 85th percentile nationally across all activities may qualify for the reinstated Presidential Physical Fitness Award, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
In July 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order reestablishing the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition and bringing back the Presidential Fitness Test—renewing a national focus on improving the health and well-being of America’s youth. The order builds on the Make America Healthy Again Commission, established in the first month of President Trump’s administration to restore urgency around improving health outcomes across the nation.
The Governor’s initiative goes hand-in-hand with the state’s broader education reforms. With Arkansas LEARNS raising expectations in the classroom and the Bell-to-Bell, No Cell Act creating more focused learning environments, students have greater opportunities to stay engaged, build lasting learning habits, and perform at a higher level, both academically and physically.
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