The American Heart Association and National Football League have selected 136 schools nationwide to receive Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge faculty well-being and NFL PLAY 60 grants. This year marks the launch of an enhanced grant structure that includes a $350,000 annual funding pool provided by the NFL, building on the existing school grant program established by the American Heart Association.
The announcement comes amid concerning statistics about youth physical activity levels. According to the American Heart Association, only 1 in 4 children ages 6 to 11 are currently getting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, a statistic that more than doubles for youth ages 12 to 17. Physical activity is vital to American students' physical health and emotional well-being, helping them learn, concentrate and manage stress throughout the school day.
"Every student deserves the chance to learn, grow and feel their best throughout the school day," said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. "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."
NFL PLAY 60 grants support four key areas identified by schools and educators, including physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements and inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. The program encourages kids to get a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity each day to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
"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. "We're proud to work with the American Heart Association to give schools across the country the tools and resources they need to inspire movement, strengthen well-being and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive."
This season, NFL mascots are also working to inspire kids to move more to support mental and physical well-being by joining the inaugural NFL PLAY 60 Ambassador Class. The eight members include mascots from the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, and Kansas City Chiefs.
NFL PLAY 60 grant applications are accepted year-round and another group of grant recipients will be announced in April. Information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and available grant opportunities can be found online at heart.org/NFLPLAY60. The enhanced partnership represents a significant investment in addressing the growing concern about youth physical inactivity and its long-term health implications.
