Exciting news to share today from The Walt Disney Company. We’ve just launched a new initiative to help parents raise healthy, happy children called Disney Magic of Healthy Living. It’s a program encouraging smart eating and exercise through a year-long series of inspiring public service announcements featuring First Lady Michelle Obama and some Disney Channel stars, including Nick Jonas and Brenda Song. Here’s a first look:

One of the big highlights of the program will take place right here at the Walt Disney World Resort. Children will be able to compete in a national essay contest to write about their ideas for living a healthy life at home, at school or in their communities. The contest will be open to kids ages 8 to 14 on October 21, 2010, and entries can be submitted through December 1, 2010. Fifty winners will be invited to Disney Magic of Healthy Living – The Weekend event at the Walt Disney World Resort. For more information about the contest, visit Disney.com/healthyfun.

Disney Magic of Healthy Living is also online. We’ve launched two new dedicated websites:

• Disney.com/healthyfun will engage children about healthy living. Disney stars will help children learn everything from the latest dance move to easy snacks they can make after school.
• Family.com/healthymagic will offer ideas and resources for parents. You’ll have access to a number of resources to help make healthy living for the whole family – from meals to articles from leading experts.

And the initiative will include a $1 million contribution from Disney to help build play spaces and gardens in 10 underserved communities nationwide. Disney will be working with KaBOOM!, a renowned non-profit organization with the vision of creating a great place to play within walking distance of every child.

Check out one of the new websites today and let us know what you think.