NFL, Arizona Guard team up for community fitness

Photo By Sgt. Crystal Reidy | Green Bay Packer Clay Matthews, among other 2015 Pro Bowl players, and Arizona National Guard members work with children, some of whom have parents in the Guard, to promote childhood health through an NFL PLAY 60 clinic Jan. 21 at Papago Park Military Reservation.  

PHOENIX, AZ, UNITED STATES

01.21.2015

Story by Sgt. Crystal Reidy 

Arizona National Guard Public Affairs

PHOENIX - In celebration of the 2015 Pro Bowl, the National Football League held its sixth annual NFL PLAY 60 Community Blitz at Papago Park Military Reservation Jan. 21.

Pro Bowl players, NFL representatives and Arizona National Guard members worked with 150 children, 50 of whom have parents in the Guard, to promote childhood health through the NFL PLAY 60 campaign. The program challenges kids to get active and play for at least 60 minutes every day.

“We are here to show them it’s fun to be active. It’s fun to be fit,” said Keith McMaster, the NFL announcer for the PLAY 60 event.

The clinic consisted of eight football drills in 60 minutes to showcase how easy it is to get 60 minutes of healthy activity every day, said McMaster.

Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver, told the kids to find something they love to do outside and have fun. Nelson will play in the 2015 Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Jan. 25.

“Be active and have fun; you’re only a kid once, so have as much fun as possible,” Nelson said.

During the fitness clinic, students learned more than running, throwing and passing skills; they learned life skills through the character bracelets given to each child. McMaster had a few children read their bracelets aloud and talk about loyalty, leadership and adaptability.

“My kids are die-hard football fans, so they have been excited for weeks to participate in this event,” said Army Sgt. Justin Geisendaffer, 159th Finance Detachment. “I appreciate the message the NFL is telling the kids about exercising every day. I tell them all the time, but it’s easier when famous athletes are telling them too.”

Geisendaffer’s son, Trevor, 9, said he had so much fun, especially during linebacker drills.

“I also liked getting the autographs of everyone on my football, including the mascots, but my favorite autograph is Jordy Nelson. He was so cool,” said Trevor.

• Date Taken: 01.21.2015
• Date Posted: 01.21.2015 20:36
• Story ID: 152423
• Location: PHOENIX, AZ, US