Spring Break
Let's play: The NFL fights the child obesity problem
Andrea Robertson
Issue date: 1/15/09 Section: Opinion
This football season I became more engaged in the sport and as the Super Bowl nears I find myself disappointed that the season is ending. The thing that makes me the saddest (other than the Cowboys not making it to the playoffs - surprise, surprise) is that I'm not young enough to participate in Play 60!
Play 60 is the NFL's program designated to tackle the problem of childhood obesity by encouraging children to be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. It also helps promote healthy eating habits, ultimately leading to a healthier lifestyle.
In order to start the program, more than 25 NFL Clubs banned together to build Youth Fitness Zones in their communities. These areas are perfect for a child to gain the 60 minutes of exercise that is needed per day.
Play 60 is the kind of program our youth can benefit from in our current obesity epidemic. NFLRush.com, the NFL's Web site dedicated to kids, says the current generation is expected to live shorter lives than their parents. It also states that one-third of America's children are either obese or in danger of becoming obese.
The program provides youth with incentives that make them want to participate in Play 60, such as contests and flag football programs.
Children who pledge at least 60 minutes of physical activity to Play 60 are given the chance to win a trip to the Super Bowl to participate in pre-game ceremonies including handing the game ball to the referee before kick-off.
Another incentive for children to become a part of the NFL's youth program is "Take a Player to School." Children involved in all NFL markets are given a chance to win the opportunity to take an NFL player to school and to design the Ultimate Physical Education Class that will be instructed by the visiting player.
The NFL also supports flag football programs, an excellent way for children to be physically active for at least 60 minutes. And these programs aren't just focusing on boys; over one third of the 100,000 Flag Football participants across the nation are girls. By showing that football isn't just a sport just for boys, the NFL is making their Play 60 program even more valuable to America's youth.
Players including Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys, serve as Play 60 team captains on NFLRush.com. Eli Manning of the New York Giants and Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers, along with other great football players, serve as spokesmen for Play 60's in-school component, "What Moves U." These football players acting as coaches and leaders help provide encouragement for participants. In the eyes of a 12-year-old, there couldn't be anything better than having your hero say that you can be as good as him.
Through their willingness to work with the community and providing places for youths to play, the NFL has created an amazing program that will make many children's lives better. I only wish I were still a kid!
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
Play 60 is the NFL's program designated to tackle the problem of childhood obesity by encouraging children to be physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. It also helps promote healthy eating habits, ultimately leading to a healthier lifestyle.
In order to start the program, more than 25 NFL Clubs banned together to build Youth Fitness Zones in their communities. These areas are perfect for a child to gain the 60 minutes of exercise that is needed per day.
Play 60 is the kind of program our youth can benefit from in our current obesity epidemic. NFLRush.com, the NFL's Web site dedicated to kids, says the current generation is expected to live shorter lives than their parents. It also states that one-third of America's children are either obese or in danger of becoming obese.
The program provides youth with incentives that make them want to participate in Play 60, such as contests and flag football programs.
Children who pledge at least 60 minutes of physical activity to Play 60 are given the chance to win a trip to the Super Bowl to participate in pre-game ceremonies including handing the game ball to the referee before kick-off.
Another incentive for children to become a part of the NFL's youth program is "Take a Player to School." Children involved in all NFL markets are given a chance to win the opportunity to take an NFL player to school and to design the Ultimate Physical Education Class that will be instructed by the visiting player.
The NFL also supports flag football programs, an excellent way for children to be physically active for at least 60 minutes. And these programs aren't just focusing on boys; over one third of the 100,000 Flag Football participants across the nation are girls. By showing that football isn't just a sport just for boys, the NFL is making their Play 60 program even more valuable to America's youth.
Players including Tom Brady of the New England Patriots and Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys, serve as Play 60 team captains on NFLRush.com. Eli Manning of the New York Giants and Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers, along with other great football players, serve as spokesmen for Play 60's in-school component, "What Moves U." These football players acting as coaches and leaders help provide encouragement for participants. In the eyes of a 12-year-old, there couldn't be anything better than having your hero say that you can be as good as him.
Through their willingness to work with the community and providing places for youths to play, the NFL has created an amazing program that will make many children's lives better. I only wish I were still a kid!
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
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