In 1878, Rutherford B. Hayes hosted the first annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Since then the tradition lives on. On the Monday after Easter children litter the White House lawn to participate in the historic tradition. This year was no exception. However, doubtfully did President Hayes participate in a push-up contest during the celebration, but he wasn’t married to Michelle Obama.
Mrs. Obama and family put their own spin on this year’s event. To keep with the theme of her “Let’s Go, Let’s Play, Let’s Move” campaign, yesterday’s activities promote many ways to get children moving and help counter childhood obesity.
More than 30,000 people attended yesterday’s festivities including the entire first family. President Obama was present with his wife, daughters, mother-in-law, and even their dog.
While many costumed cartoon characters were also present, Mrs. Obama welcomed many sports stars to get the crowd moving. The Harlem Globetrotters, tennis star Chris Evert, Olympian Michelle Kwan, and Olympian Dominique Dawes were just some of the athletes present on the south lawn.
The children were put through fun active drills by the athletes, but the adults were encouraged to get moving, too. President Obama wasn’t exempt. He took part in shooting drills with the Globetrotters, did push ups, and eventually ended the day by playing tennis doubles with Chris Evert and two little one who attended the event.
Kudos to the entire Obama family for walking the walk! Hopefully these active elements will become a lasting tradition as time tested as the White House Egg Roll itself.