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Shaquille O’Neal to help Michelle Obama push ‘Let’s Move! Active Schools’ initiative

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NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal and two Olympic gold medalists will be joining first lady Michelle Obama to promote her “Let’s Move! Active Schools” program this week, the White House announced Tuesday.

Earlier this year Obama launched the school-focused initiative, aimed at encouraging more physical activity among students. According to the White House, more than 3,700 schools have signed up to participate and be “active schools.”

Obama will highlight the healthy schools effort and “announce new commitments” for the program Friday at Orr Elementary in Washington,

O’Neal, sprinter Allyson Felix, gymnast Dominique Dawes, DC Public Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson, and North America Reebok President Uli Becker will join her.

According to the White House, Orr Elementary School has been a “great example” of a healthy environment. The school reportedly offers healthy snacks in vending machines (which all schools will be required to do by next year) and physical education. It also participates in Reebok’s healthy lifestyle before school program BOKS.

“During the event, the First Lady will deliver remarks about healthy changes happening in schools and across the country, and then participate in a physical activity with children and the athletes,” the White House wrote in the announcement.

O’Neal and Felix are the respective spokespeople for Reebok and Nike, which are participating in the active schools program.

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