Physical activity is vital to American students’ physical health and emotional well-being, helping them learn, concentrate and manage stress throughout the school day, yet most youth are not getting enough movement.
According to the American Heart Association, only one in four children ages 6 to 11 are currently getting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity — a statistic that more than doubles for youth ages 12 to 17.
To help promote physical movement for students, the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) recently awarded Jacksonville School for Autism with an NFL PLAY 60 grant through its Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge program.
This year marks the launch of an enhanced grant structure that includes a $350,000 annual funding pool provided by the NFL. It builds on the existing Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge school grant program established by the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere.
“It is critical that we create environments that help students stay active and thrive throughout the school day. This grant will ensure a school in our community is equipped with meaningful tools to strengthen both physical activity and overall well-being,” said Amanda Tewey, school engagement director for the American Heart Association. “We are deeply appreciative of the NFL’s continued commitment to helping young people build healthy habits, and we’re proud to see that commitment making a direct impact here in Jacksonville.”
NFL PLAY 60 grants support four key areas identified by schools and educators, including physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements and inclusive physical education and well-being resources. Jacksonville School for Autism will receive an Active Recess grant in the amount of $500.
“For two decades, NFL PLAY 60 has been committed to helping kids lead healthier, more active lives, and this year’s expanded grant program reflects that commitment in an even larger way,” said Megan Mendoza, senior manager of social responsibility, NFL. “We’re proud to work with the American Heart Association to give schools across the country the tools and resources they need to inspire movement, strengthen wellbeing and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Rooted in science, the NFL PLAY 60 initiative helps children to develop healthy habits for a better chance of a healthy adulthood. The program encourages kids to get a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
NFL PLAY 60 grant applications are accepted year-round, and another group of grant recipients will be announced in April. Information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and available grant opportunities can be found online at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
