It’s a safe bet that kids understand the importance of staying healthy and getting plenty of exercise. But to drive home the point, a group of New England Patriots players recently visited a Massachusetts elementary school and put them to the test with the NFL PLAY 60 challenge.
The gymnasium at the Elm Street School in Walpole, Massachusetts was the scene of a 60-minute “ultimate physical education class” consisting of a number of fitness drills where students demonstrated their skills for Patriots players Ryan Allen, Danny Amendola, Duron Harmon, Ryan Mallett, Devin McCourty, and Matthew Slater, along with Patriots chairman Robert Kraft.
The NFL Play 60 event was one of several sponsored by Verizon in partnership with the NFL. Similar events were held at NFL Play 60 Super Schools in Baltimore, New York, and Washington, D.C. The events, designed to help address childhood obesity, encourage youths to stay healthy by staying in school, eating right, and getting at least 60 minutes of exercise each day.
Verizon New England Regional President Allison Cole offered encouragement to the students. “As a longstanding partner in the communities in which we operate, we are proud to champion NFL PLAY 60 Super Schools with NFL Network and the Patriots,” said Cole. “We know what the power of motivation and inspiration can be for kids, and we hope that today’s event, and this entire program, will help you kids get excited about Physical Education and getting fit and healthy.”
Verizon presented a $10,000 youth health and wellness grant to each school. The schools were chosen based on wellness essays submitted by students. Some 3,200 schools registered for this year’s program, now in its fourth year.
Click here for a photo gallery of the event.
