MIAMI, July 17, 2026 — Approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States live with obesity — the same number of children who get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity. To support student health and well-being in Florida, the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) recently awarded 12 Florida schools with NFL Play 60 grants through the Association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™.

Florida NFL PLAY 60 Grant Recipients

The following Florida schools received NFL PLAY 60 grants for the new school year:

  • Blanche H. Daughtrey Elementary School
  • Mandarin Oaks Elementary
  • Collage Day School
  • Saddle View Elementary
  • Dundee Elementary Academy
  • St Matthews Catholic School
  • FSU Research Foundation
  • St. James Catholic School
  • Gove Elementary
  • Timber Lakes Elementary School
  • Hallowes Cove Academy

 
  • Hillsborough Academy of Math and Science

 

This is the third round of grants awarded this year through the NFL’s $350,000 NFL PLAY 60 funding pool, supported in collaboration with the American Heart Association. Through NFL PLAY 60, the American Heart Association works with the NFL to encourage children to be physically active and build heart-healthy habits through funding, school resources, videos, mascot engagement and other student-focused materials. The grants help schools meet needs such as physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements, inclusive physical education and well-being resources.

 “These grants will help schools make it easier for students to be active throughout the school day. More chances to move can make a real difference, helping kids feel better, focus in class and build healthy habits.” said Casey McElhinney, region vice president of development for school engagement for the American Heart Association.

Rooted in science, the NFL Play 60 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.

Grant applications are accepted year-round. To learn more about Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge and how to get involved, visit heart.org/jointhechallenge.

###

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. For nearly 20 years, the initiative has empowered millions of youth to get physically active for at least 60 minutes a day and provided 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:

American Heart Association

Melissa Solis, Melissa.Solis@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org