The American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) have selected 136 schools nationwide to receive Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ faculty well-being and NFL PLAY 60™ grants, aiming to address the low physical activity levels among American youth. According to the American Heart Association, only 1 in 4 children ages 6 to 11 meet the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, a statistic that worsens for older youth.
This year marks the launch of an enhanced grant structure with a $350,000 annual funding pool provided by the NFL, building on the existing school grant program. The winners were announced at an NFL PLAY 60 school assembly at Lawton Alternative School in San Francisco, California, with NFL mascots in attendance ahead of Super Bowl LX.
“Every student deserves the chance to learn, grow and feel their best throughout the school day. By expanding this grant program, we are helping schools create more moments of movement and more spaces where kids feel supported in both their physical and emotional well-being,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association.
The NFL PLAY 60 grants support four key areas: physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements and inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. “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.
Rooted in science, the NFL PLAY 60 initiative encourages kids to get at least 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. This season, NFL mascots are also inspiring kids to move more by joining the inaugural NFL PLAY 60 Ambassador Class, including Freddie Falcon, Roary, Sir Purr, and K.C. Wolf.
Grant applications are accepted year-round, with another group of recipients announced in April. Information on available grant opportunities can be found at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.
