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INDIANAPOLIS – On Tuesday, September 25, the Indianapolis Colts, American Heart Association (AHA) and the Y of Greater Indianapolis hosted the "PLAY 60 Challenge Kickoff" at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. The event included 250 students from five Central Indiana schools to launch the beginning of the PLAY 60 Challenge program.
From 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., students learned about the PLAY 60 initiative and the importance of physical activities from Colts OLB Jerry Brown, ILB Jerrell Freeman, RB Mewelde Moore and DE Cory Redding, while also participating in various fitness stations. After Redding quizzed the students on ways to PLAY 60, he switched from his usual defensive stance to offense by making passes to children running into the end zone. Brown guided and cheered his team on to victory during a relay drill. Freeman showed the kids how to wear a serious game face while tackling. Moore took lead at the Field Goal Challenge, then made his way over to the hula-hoops to dare the children to an endurance exercise while learning new tricks!
Participating schools in this year's event included Crestview Elementary (Lawrence), Bridgeport Elementary (Indianapolis), North Wayne Elementary (Indianapolis), Robey Elementary (Indianapolis) and Triton Elementary (Fairland).
As a part of the NFL's PLAY 60 initiative, the program will run September through April to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle by encouraging children and families to have at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Indiana schools have registered to participate in the PLAY 60 Challenge through AHA. After-school programs associated with The Y of Greater Indianapolis will also participate.
Participants will track their activities and minutes for a six week period. Schools and after-school classes who successfully complete the challenge according to program guidelines are competing for an opportunity to win tickets to a Colts home game, a visit from Colts Cheerleaders and Top School Trophy. The PLAY 60 Challenge program concludes April 15.
To view photos from this event, **click here**.
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About Colts Community Tuesdays
During the regular NFL season, Tuesday is the only day off players receive. As a result, the Colts utilize every Tuesday to engage their players in various charitable events and programs throughout Central Indiana. From schools and hospital visits to blood drives and holiday outreach, Colts players participate in a wide variety of "Community Tuesday" activities throughout the season. For more information on all of the Colts outreach efforts, visit www.colts.com/community.
About American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. These diseases devastate millions of Americans of all ages and cause nearly 950,000 deaths each year. To fight them, the association supports research, public and professional education and community service programs in local communities throughout America.
About The Y of Greater Indianapolis
The Y of Greater Indianapolis serves more than 188,000 people in diverse communities throughout greater Indianapolis. The Y brings together young and old, men and women, people of all faiths, backgrounds and incomes. In 2009, the Y provided nearly $6 million in scholarships, subsidies, and under-written programs and community services in low income neighborhoods. Through 15 branches and in collaboration with more than 200 churches, schools, and other community groups and organizations, the Y is also able to extend its program opportunities throughout Central Indiana and into the heart of urban neighborhoods. For more information about the Y's programs and services visit www.indymca.org.
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About PLAY 60
In 2007, the NFL launched a new initiative designed to tackle childhood obesity and encourage today's youth to live healthier lives. Through the PLAY 60 platform, we are asking students across the nation to be active at least 60 minutes each day. NFL PLAY 60 brings together the NFL's long-standing commitment to health and fitness with an impressive roster of partner organizations - Action for Healthy Kids, Ad Council, American Heart Association, National Dairy Council, Nickelodeon, United Way, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In additional to national PSAs and online programs, PLAY 60 will also be implemented locally, as part of the NFL's in-school, after-school and team-based programs. Locally, the Indianapolis Colts are implementing a variety of PLAY 60 programming designed to confront the issue of childhood obesity in Indiana. To learn more about other Play 60 programs, visit www.colts.com/PLAY60.
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