For the 12th consecutive year, global superstar and chiropractic supporter, and now Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger was the featured speaker at the International Chiropractors Association’s (ICA) Symposium on Natural Fitness held March 5-6, 2004 in Columbus, Ohio.

Speaking to over 400 participants Governor Schwarzenegger told the crowd: “I am honored to be back with you and to celebrate this great weekend once again. We share a common mission, and that is health and fitness for everyone. What a great partner the ICA is on this. I look forward to doing this with the ICA for many years to come"

Arnold then explained his reasoning for seeking the office of Governor by saying, "Many people have asked me why I would give up all of the benefits of being a movie star, the attention, the $30 million per movie, and also the freedom as a private citizen to become Governor of California. I can tell you that being Governor is the best thing I could ever be doing because helping people, serving all of the people, and making a difference in peoples’ lives means more to me than walking down a red carpet at another movie premiere. It is just like what you do as chiropractors; make a difference by helping people heal and feel better, making it possible to live fuller lives. This I know from my own experience with chiropractic and I am very grateful for what you have done for me and for so many millions of people around the world."

He went on to say, "It is also very important for me to give something back to the community because all that I have, all of my success, I owe to America and the opportunities that were made available to me in this great country. When I saw California in such difficult circumstances, I had to do something about it personally, to try my best to find solutions and to help rebuild what is the greatest state in America. We all need to recognize our responsibility to help those who need a little extra help from us. As doctors I hope that you will reach out to those who need help from you, who might be having hard times, and do what you can to help them back to health and to let them know that your profession and the community cares about them as people"

Governor Schwarzenegger also thanked the ICA for its longstanding partnership and support, and acknowledged ICA’s leaders as “key contacts” for the work he is engaged in as Governor.  ICA honored Governor Schwarzenegger this year with the presentation of a San Francisco 49ers official helmet, autographed by all-time great running back Roger Craig, who was one of the main speakers at this year’s program. Inscribed “To Governor Arnold, The Captain of Our Team” and embossed with an engraved gold disc from the ICA Council on Fitness, ICA used this presentation to thank the Governor for his support and his continuing participation in this important chiropractic event.