Matthew Tkachuk and Wayne Gretzky team up with Donald Trump to revive iconic Presidential Fitness Test for youth

Donald Trump's new President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition now counts hockey legend Wayne Gretzky as well as Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk. This was made public on August 1, 2025, during a special ceremony at the White House.

Bringing back the Presidential Fitness Award, the new Council will center on fitness in schools and collaborate with athletes, teams, and schools across the nation to keep children healthy and active. The Council also seeks to restore age-old college athletic customs, repair the transfer portal, and guard women's sports.

Matthew Tkachuk and Wayne Gretzky to work with Donald Trump on youth fitness

On August 1, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order at the White House to bring back the Council.

During the ceremony, he introduced big names from the world of sports, including Matthew Tkachuk, who just won his second Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in June, and Wayne Gretzky, known as “The Great One” in hockey.

The Council will now have 20 members, including athletes and sports leaders like Saquon Barkley, Nick Bosa, Triple H, Roger Goodell, Mariano Rivera, Annika Sorenstam, and Gary Bettman. Working together, they will reintroduce the Presidential Fitness Test and help to strengthen physical education in classrooms.

For Matthew Tkachuk, who has fast become one of the most well-known American players in the NHL, this is a major occasion. His role on the Council shows how serious this new plan is about reaching kids and schools across the country.

Matthew Tkachuk impressed White House during Florida Panthers’ visit

Following their second consecutive Stanley Cup, Matthew Tkachuk and the Florida Panthers visited the White House in February 2025. Tkachuk gave an honest address that dominated headlines during the trip.Also Read: Ben Shelton Shares Sweet Family Moment As His Father Tunes In For Trinity Rodman’s Return To Washington Spirit“Thank you, Mr. President, for having us today,” he said. “You wake up every day really grateful to be an American. So, thank you.”That visit may have helped lead to this new opportunity. Tkachuk is now more than a hockey star, he’s part of a team helping shape fitness programs for kids across America.Working with Wayne Gretzky and others, Tkachuk will now help push for better health, stronger sports programs, and more support for school athletes nationwide.