Richmond school selected for NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play program to support youth health

RICHMOND, Va, June 23, 2025 — In an effort to address rising rates of childhood physical inactivity in the United States, Creative Learning Center in Richmond, Virginia has been selected as one of 35 schools nationwide to receive resources from the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, and the National Football League’s NFL PLAY 60 program. Creative Learning Center will activate their NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play on Tuesday, June 24 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. with special guest, Tim Hightower from the Washington Commanders.

Chosen by the Association based on past involvement with NFL PLAY 60, each school will receive fitness equipment and educational resources designed to inspire students to move more and develop lifelong healthy habits. This support is part of the school’s Day of Play, an immersive experience that combines fitness, fun, and education – all with the goal of encouraging students to prioritize physical activity, and ultimately, live longer and healthier lives. Physical activity positively impacts overall mental and physical wellness which is essential to help children reach their full potential.

”Kids need fun, interactive and confidence-building experiences that stick with them – instilling a culture of health in them from the early days of their lives. The NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play can help meet that need,” said Chandra Hurst, American Heart Association Central Virginia Board Chair. “The Association appreciates the teachers and school leaders at Creative Learning Center who understand the importance of focusing on fitness and health within the school day. Their commitment to the long-term health of their students is life changing.”

The school will receive an NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play interactive kit, packed with footballs, frisbees, jump ropes, kickballs, fitness dice, cones and markers, along with a Day of Play School activation guide, featuring exercise video content, game and challenge ideas, heart-health video modules and activity suggestions. Schools across the country can also bring the NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play experience to their students by downloading the free Day of Play activation guide. These resources will transform the school into an active play zone, ensuring every child can engage in fun, physical activities. Students participating will have the opportunity to move through various activities, games, challenges and exercise content while being entertained and educated about heart health. The experience aims to make health and wellbeing fun and relatable by creating a memorable day that inspires students to take charge of their health.

"At Creative Learning Center, we believe in creating a foundation of health and wellness. The NFL PLAY 60 Day of Play is an incredible opportunity for our elementary students to experience staying strong and taking care of their bodies through fun movement activities," said CLC Director, Ainsleigh Gaskins. "We're excited to see our students engage in this fun and educational event, and we're grateful for the American Heart Association and NFL for this amazing opportunity."

Rooted in American Heart Association science, the NFL PLAY 60 initiative helps children to develop healthy habits for a better chance of a healthy adulthood. 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’ 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans[1]. Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity are key to immediate and long-term health for children.

The NFL and the American Heart Association have been teaming up since 2006 to inspire kids through fun and engaging ways to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day. The impact of physical activity on overall mental and physical wellness is essential to help children grow to reach their full potential.

Beyond Day of Play, NFL PLAY 60 supports student physical and mental health through the NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Breaks, 15-minute broadcasts that gets students up and moving along with the NFL at key times in the season- kickoff, Super Bowl and NFL Draft. The NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library features two-to-three minute on-demand exercise videos from each of the 32 NFL teams featuring players, NFL Legends, cheerleaders and mascots. The NFL PLAY 60 app, free and available for iOS and Android devices, allows users to select their favorite team and control personalized avatars onscreen with their own physical movement. Users can create custom workouts and earn special PLAY points and unlock cool NFL gear for on-screen PLAY 60 avatars.

Information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and additional grant opportunities can be found online at heart.org/NFLPLAY60.

###

About the American Heart Association 

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

About NFL PLAY 60

NFL PLAY 60 is the League’s national youth health and wellness platform. In its 18th season, the initiative empowers millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day and provides support for programs and resources so that kids everywhere can lead a healthy lifestyle. Alongside the NFL’s 32 NFL clubs and partners, the PLAY 60 movement will continue to serve and motivate the next generation of youth to get active and PLAY 60. For more information, visit NFL.com/PLAY60.

For Media Inquiries:

Audry Dubon: audry.dubon@heart.org

Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org