In recognition of NFL PLAY 60, the New York Jets will host 11 local children on-field for player introductions and the National Anthem at their game against the Carolina Panthers this Sunday.
The children, who will wear special PLAY 60 jerseys, were selected from five schools participating in the Jets Play 60 Challenge — Ridgedale Middle School, Harding Elementary School, Madison Junior School, Holy Family School and St. Vincent the Martyr School.
The Play 60 Challenge is a six-week program created by the NFL and the American Heart Association that encourages students to participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. This program has students track their exercise each day. One boy and one girl from each school along with one overall wild card were chosen at random in a drawing of students who successfully completed the Play 60 Challenge.
In support of NFL PLAY 60, all Thanksgiving weekend games will raise awareness of the childhood obesity epidemic and showcase the NFL and its clubs' commitment to help reverse this trend. Beginning on Thanksgiving Day and continuing throughout Weeks 12-14, teams will designate a home game as an "NFL PLAY 60" game. On-field elements will include PLAY 60 field stencils, banners and goalpost wraps.
"During a time when families come together to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is also a good time to focus on the importance of keeping kids healthy and active," said Brad Smith, Jets wide receiver and Play 60 spokesman "The Jets are proud to recognize local children who understand the importance of good health and to encourage all young people to 'play 60' this Thanksgiving."
Thanksgiving weekend games also will include a special NFL PLAY 60 public service announcement, featuring President Barack Obama and NFL players playing a friendly game of touch football and reminding fans about the importance of being active. Filmed on the White House lawn earlier this month by NFL Films, the PSA also encourages viewers to get involved in their communities and remember the importance of service, as part of the White House's "United We Serve" platform.
Fans can visit NFLRUSH.com/Play60 or Serve.gov to learn about volunteer opportunities and how they can help kids stay active and healthy in their communities.
About NFL PLAY 60
Designed to tackle childhood obesity, NFL PLAY 60 brings together the NFL's long-standing commitment to health and fitness with partner organizations. Since the program was launched in 2007, the NFL has committed $200 million to youth health and fitness through programming, grants and media time for PSAs.
