EDGARTOWN, Massachusetts - President Barack Obama won't be taking part in the ice bucket challenge that is sweeping America to raise money and awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

President Barack Obama sits in a golf cart while golfing at Farm Neck Golf Club, in Oak Bluffs, Mass., on the island of Martha's Vineyard, Thursday, Aug 21, 2014.[Photo/IC]

The challenge asks people to post videos of themselves being doused with cold water and publicly call on others to do the same within 24 hours, or donate $100 to the ALS Association. It has raised more than $40 million.

The disorder, also called Lou Gehrig's disease, attacks nerve cells and can lead to complete paralysis and death. Average life expectancy is two to five years after diagnosis, according to the ALS Association.

The challenge calls on people to post videos on social media of themselves dumping a bucket of ice water on their heads - or having someone else handle the chilly chore.

Other well-known participants include former President George W. Bush, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Ethel Kennedy. The 86-year-old Kennedy family matriarch challenged Obama to participate after recently dousing herself at her family's Massachusetts estate, knowing that the president would be nearby on vacation.

Obama participated financially by donating an undisclosed sum, the White House said.

"This is all about awareness. We appreciate him donating to the cause," ALS Association spokeswoman Carrie Munk said.

Singer Justin Bieber also nominated Obama to take the challenge, which has been a boon to the advocacy group. The association said it had received $41.8 million in donations as of Thursday, compared with $2.1 million between July 29 and Aug 21 last year.

Obama isn't the only US government official who is unlikely to participate.

The US State Department has banned participation by US ambassadors and other high-profile foreign service officers. Department lawyers say participation would violate federal ethics rules barring officials from using public office for private gain "no matter how worthy the cause," according to an unclassified cable sent earlier this week that was obtained Thursday by The Associated Press.

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