SAVANNAH, Ga. – June 2, 2023 —The American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives, and Enmarket, a proud local sponsor of the Southern Coast Heart Ball, presented Gadsden Elementary School with sporting equipment and balls of all kinds to promote physical activity during childhood.

The American Heart Association’s “Bring a Ball to the Ball” campaign provided the opportunity for Heart Ball fundraiser attendees to donate sports balls to help children in Savannah schools get active to live more heart-healthy lives.

The Association recommends that children are physically active at least 60 minutes each day to help prevent heart disease and stroke. Less than 25% of children ages 6 to 17 participate in the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity and less than 1% of children have ideal diets. The American Heart Association wants to help change those statistics and encourage physical activity and exercise in children. Participation in sports also builds self-esteem, improves social skills and motivates children to excel academically.

“Physical activity is so important for today’s youth, not only physically but also mentally,” said Royceann Friedman, development director for the American Heart Association. “With the donation of these sports balls to Gadsden Elementary, our goal is to encourage more heart healthy activities and time outdoors for the students in their free time.”

For more information about the American Heart Association’s community efforts in the Southern Coast, please contact Royceann Friedman at Royceann.Friedman@heart.org.

 

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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 nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. 

 

For Media Inquiries:  

Olivia LaVoy; Olivia.lavoy@heart.org 

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