Pittsburgh Liberty K-5 school wins national NFL PLAY 60 grant for physical activity

PITTSBURGH, April 29, 2024 — Pittsburgh Liberty K-5 school, located in Shadyside is one of 32 schools receiving a $1,000 grant for physical activity equipment as a part of the American Heart Association and the NFL PLAY 60 Fitness Tracking Competition. The competition encouraged classrooms to get moving for at least 60 minutes every day and log their movement minutes through the NFL PLAY 60 app. Physical activity positively impacts overall mental and physical wellness which is essential to help children reach their full potential.

“We take pride in our local schools and their commitment to physical activity,” said Dr. Johanna Vidal-Phelan, chief medical officer of Quality and Pediatrics at UPMC Insurance Services Division and volunteer board president for the American Heart Association Greater Pittsburgh. “We know that staying active is one of the best ways to keep our bodies healthy, we encourage children to establish positive habits early on.  Active children are more likely to carry these habits into adulthood, reducing risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.”  

The American Heart Association and the NFL offer students, teachers and families on-demand ways to reach their daily goal of 60 minutes of play. The NFL PLAY 60 Exercise Library features two-to-three minute exercise videos from each of the 32 NFL teams. The Pittsburgh Steelers feature Linebacker, Alex Highsmith getting active with jump squats and Steelers alumni Arthur Moats demonstrating Steel City sit-ups. The NFL PLAY 60 app, available free 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.

The full list of grant winners are:

• Arizona Cardinals- Cheatham Elementary School, Laveen Village, Arizona
• Atlanta Falcons- Alpharetta Elementary School, Alpharetta, Georgia
• Baltimore Ravens- Our of Lady of Hope/St. Luke School, Dundalk, Maryland
• Buffalo Bills- PS 099 Stanley M. Makowski Early Childhood Center, Buffalo, New York
• Carolina Panthers- Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, Forest City, North Carolina
• Chicago Bears- River Trails Middle School 26, Mt. Prospect, Illinois
• Cincinnati Bengals- New Miami Elementary School, Hamilton, Ohio
• Cleveland Browns- Ridge Elementary School, Mentor, Ohio
• Dallas Cowboys- Scott Johnson Middle School, McKinney, Texas
• Denver Broncos- North Cache Middle School, Richmond, Utah
• Detroit Lions- Minges Brook Elementary, Battle Creek, Michigan
• Green Bay Packers - Rosholt High School, Rosholt, Wisconsin *National Winner
• Houston Texans- Turner Elementary School, Pasadena, Texas
• Indianapolis Colts- Meredith Nicholson Elementary School, Crawfordsville, Indianapolis
• Jacksonville Jaguars- Rocky Bayou Christian School, Crestview, Florida
• Kansas City Chiefs- Stony Point Elementary School, Kansas City, Kansas
• Las Vegas Raiders- Pinecrest Academy Springs Campus, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Los Angeles Chargers- Hobart Boulevard Elementary School, Los Angeles, California
• Los Angeles Rams- Cutler Elementary School, Cutler, California
• Miami Dolphins- Panther Run Elementary School, Pembroke Pines, Florida
• Minnesota Vikings- North Park Elementary School, Fridley, Minnesota
• New England Patriots- Pierce Middle School, Milton, Massachusetts
• New Orleans Saints- Columbus Middle School, Columbus, Montana
• New York Giants- P.S./M.S. 124Q Osmond A. Church School, Queens, New York
• New York Jets- Iris Wolfson High School, Greenvale, New York
• Philadelphia Eagles- Elsinboro Township School, Salem, New Jersey
• Pittsburgh Steelers- Pittsburgh Liberty K-5, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• San Francisco 49ers- Saints Peter and Paul School, San Francisco, California
• Seattle Seahawks- Oroville Elementary School, Oroville, Washington
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Egypt Lake Elementary School, Tampa, Florida
• Tennessee Titans- Glencliff Elementary School, Nashville, Tennessee
• Washington Commanders- Creative Learning Center, Richmond, Virgina

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

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. 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 Inquires:

Karen Colbert, 412.475.4928; karen.colbert@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org