The SCCPPA’s history is intertwined with the SC Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. In the past, the Governor’s Council had affiliate members who were in the community implementing many physical activity programs. Specifically, the Council was involved with awarding physical activity awards, creating a Trails Resource Guide, sponsoring an annual physical activity conference, assisting schools with Walk To School Day, and creating a Physical Education Advocacy Packet.

In 1999, as a result of the new Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health, the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Heart Association, and AAHPERD came together and formed a National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity (NCPPA). Individuals were chosen in each state to be the state representatives on the national coalition. The NCPPA selected Dr. Bill Riner as South Carolina’s state representative.

At the same time, members on the Governor’s Council came to the realization that that the Council’s structure did not allow for physical activity advocacy or involvement on an individual level. Therefore, in late 1998 discussions began about how to integrate the NCPPA activities and goals into South Carolina activities and goals. This resulted in changing the structure of the SC Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and the formation of the SCCPPA.

A planning team was assembled who began the process of creating a Constitution and Bylaws. These articles were approved in the fall of 1999. An Executive Director was hired in October of 1999 and an interim Board of Directors was appointed. The Coalition began accepting memberships soon after. In March of 2000 the SCCPPA was incorporated with the Secretary of State. The Coalition is a registered charity and has it’s own Federal ID number. In 2001, the Coalition applied for and received federal non-profit, 501(c) 3 status.

Our first annual meeting was held in March of 2000 in conjunction with the annual physical activity conference co-sponsored with the Governor’s Council. Since then we have embarked on a number of initiatives and programs including the Activation newsletter, physical activity conferences and specialty workshops, Walk to School day, Safe Routes to School educational workshops, America On the Move in South Carolina, Legislative Breakfasts, Bike To School Bash, and Midlands on the Move.

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