The commission shall maintain liaison with the State Department of Education, county and city boards of education, private and parochial schools, and physical fitness commissions of the several political subdivisions of this state, now or hereafter created, and comparable agencies in other states or under the federal government, and it shall consult with and advise the local commissions on their programs of physical fitness. It shall disseminate information in the interest of physical fitness programs in this state by publication, advertisement, conferences, workshops, programs, lectures, and other means, and it shall collect and assemble pertinent information and data available from other state departments and agencies. The commission is authorized to sponsor the Special Olympics for mentally retarded and physically handicapped children at the state, national, and international level and partner with and promote the programs and events of the Alabama Sports Festival and the Alabama Sports Foundation, Incorporated. The commission is further authorized to promote jogging, hiking, bicycling, and other physical fitness programs. It is also authorized to cosponsor programs with the Department of Senior Services to improve the health and well-being of the older people in the state.