LAS VEGAS – Hundreds of kids had the chance to rub elbows with NFL players and learned the importance of physical activity at a popular event held during Super Bowl Week in Las Vegas.
Play 60 Kids Day was held at the Super Bowl Experience, an interactive “football theme park” located inside the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
The Play 60 program is the league’s national youth health and wellness initiative.
Founded in 2007, Play 60 is a team effort with the American Heart Association to motivate children to be active and lead healthy lifestyles.
During the Kids Day event, 1,600 local elementary school students from the Las Vegas area participated in a number of football-themed activities including running, catching, throwing and tackling.
Not only did the kids receive top-notch instruction from their coaches, but they also had the opportunity to meet NFL players, past and present.
“When you bring guys like me here and these kids have a chance to get autographs and get to know the players, it makes a big difference,” said Thomas Davis, a former linebacker who played 15 years in the NFL. I think it will be born,” he said. -Spent years, mostly with the Carolina Panthers. “It increases their overall confidence and just by interacting with us, they know that one day I can be just like them.
During the event, Thomas and other instructors strived to educate children about the importance of getting at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
“Kids today have cell phones, they have iPads, they have video games, and they’re just sitting in the house,” Davis said. “They don’t get out much, so I love this initiative that the NFL is doing to get kids active for 60 minutes a day.”
After listening to the athletes and instructors during the event, the children said they understood the important messages conveyed.
Milton Sanchez, a 6th grader, said, “It’s important to stay active to stay healthy and in shape. You can always go after what you really love and become a great person.” he said.
According to the league, the Play 60 campaign has provided financial support to more than 73,000 schools in the county to create programs and resources to increase activity levels.
To encourage families to get involved in this initiative, there is a free Play 60 app that allows parents to create activity plans, daily workouts, and track their child’s fitness progress.