New York Jets players helped unveil a PLAY 60 Fitness Zone with 35 children from Dover Middle School as part of the NFL’s 17th annual Hometown Huddle, an NFL-wide day of service with United Ways across the nation.
In partnership with United Way of Northern New Jersey, the New York Jets and NFL Foundation contributed $50,000 to install a PLAY 60 Fitness Zone at Dover Middle School in Dover, NJ.
The Zone includes five pieces of strength-training equipment that the players and students got to test out together as the Jets showed students a variety of exercises they can do on a regular basis – helping to get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day.
“We are committed to giving children access to the tools they need to make healthy, lifelong choices,” United Way CEO John Franklin said. “This annual partnership with the New York Jets is a great way to show our children how they can incorporate healthy habits into their daily routines.”
“Partnering with United Way and Dover Middle School to create this PLAY 60 Fitness Zone is important for us,” said Jets Community Relations Director Jesse Linder. “Our players are here today to contribute their time and effort for the good of the community and provide opportunities where children can get at least 60 minutes of activity every day.”
Jets players on hand to show students proper techniques and form included Deion Barnes, Jarvis Harrison, Julian Howsare, Taiwan Jones, Ronald Martin, Lorenzo Mauldin, Bryce Petty, Wes Saxton, Deon Simon and Devin Smith.
“We are grateful to United Way and the New York Jets for this generous contribution to our school,” said Robert Becker, Superintendent of the Dover School District. “This is an outstanding opportunity for our students to meet and be inspired by professional athletes as we strive to emphasize personal health and wellness. This kind of donation of equipment and time by both United Way and the New York Jets will have a long lasting positive impact on our students and community for which we are greatly appreciative.”
The NFL and the Jets are committed to promoting youth health and fitness through the NFL’s
PLAY 60 program. Throughout the year, players and representatives from the New York Jets make appearances at schools and community events to encourage kids to be active for 60 minutes a day in order to reverse the trend of childhood obesity.