American Heart Association and NFL Award Grants to 136 Schools to Promote Physical Activity

The American Heart Association and the 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 initiative addresses concerning statistics showing that only 1 in 4 children ages 6 to 11 get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, with even lower rates among youth ages 12 to 17. The enhanced grant structure includes a $350,000 annual funding pool provided by the NFL, building on existing school grant programs established by the American Heart Association.

Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association, emphasized that every student deserves the chance to learn, grow and feel their best throughout the school day. The expanded grant program helps schools create more moments of movement and spaces where children feel supported in both physical and emotional well-being. This collaboration ensures students everywhere have access to opportunities that will allow them to live longer, healthier lives as the organization shapes its next century of impact.

NFL PLAY 60 grants support four key areas identified by schools and educators: physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements and inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. Megan Mendoza, Senior Manager of Social Responsibility for the NFL, noted that for two decades, NFL PLAY 60 has been committed to helping children lead healthier, more active lives, with this year's expanded grant program reflecting that commitment in an even larger way. The partnership gives schools across the country the tools and resources needed to inspire movement, strengthen well-being and ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Rooted in science, the NFL PLAY 60 initiative helps children develop healthy habits for a better chance of a healthy adulthood by encouraging them to get a minimum of 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily to meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. This season, NFL mascots are working to inspire children to move more to support mental and physical well-being by joining the inaugural NFL PLAY 60 Ambassador Class, with eight mascots participating from various NFL teams.

The annual winners were announced at an NFL PLAY 60 school assembly held at Lawton Alternative School in San Francisco, California, with NFL mascots in attendance for the unveiling celebration in advance of Super Bowl LX. NFL PLAY 60 grant applications are accepted year-round, with another group of grant recipients to be announced in April. Information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and available grant opportunities can be found online at https://heart.org/NFLPLAY60.