Compete in the statewide fitness challenge and your school could get a visit from the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball coach. Read more below.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, alongside the Arkansas Department of Education, announced Monday the launch of the #RazorbackReady2026 challenge, a statewide effort aimed at promoting student fitness and healthier lifestyles.
The initiative coincides with the return of the Presidential Fitness Test and will begin appearing in Arkansas public school physical education standards during the 2026–2027 school year, following an executive order signed by the Governor.
“President Trump is Making America Healthy Again and Arkansas is answering the call,” Sanders said in a statement.
Education Secretary Jacob Oliva emphasized the academic benefits tied to physical health. “Research shows when students make healthy choices, attendance, concentration, and learning outcomes are all improved,” he said.
The #RazorbackReady2026 challenge invites schools across Arkansas to submit a 60–90 second video of students completing elements of the fitness test. Entries must be posted on social media using the official hashtag.
The competition runs April 20 through May 22, with a winning school to be announced later this summer.
Submissions will be judged on:
- Creativity
- Social media engagement
- Student participation
The top school will receive a visit from University of Arkansas Head Basketball Coach John Calipari in the weeks following the contest.
As part of the reinstated Presidential Fitness Test, students will complete:
- One-Mile Run – cardiovascular endurance
- Sit-Ups (one minute) – abdominal strength and endurance
- Push-Ups or Pull-Ups – upper body strength
- Shuttle Run – agility and speed
- Sit-and-Reach – flexibility in the hamstrings and lower back
Students who score at or above the 85th percentile nationally across all categories may qualify for the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, originally established under President Lyndon B. Johnson.
The initiative follows a July 2025 executive order by President Donald J. Trump, which re-established the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition and revived the Presidential Fitness Test. The move is part of a broader national push to improve youth health outcomes.
•
