SAWYER – To support student health and well-being in Sawyer, the American Heart Association and the National Football League recently awarded Sawyer Public School an NFL PLAY 60 active recess grant of $500 through the association’s school-based programs, Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge.

This is the third round of grants awarded this year from the $350,000 annual funding pool provided by the NFL through NFL PLAY 60, a campaign supported by the American Heart Association to improve the health of young people by getting them active for at least 60 minutes every day, according to the organizations. NFL PLAY 60 grants support specific areas of need identified by schools and educators, including physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements and inclusive physical education and well-being resources.

“Kids need chances to move during the school day, and right now, too many don’t get enough,” said Susan Ness, school engagement director for the American Heart Association in western North Dakota. “This grant will help Sawyer Public School 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.”

NFL PLAY 60 is an initiative designed to help children develop healthy habits for a better chance at a longer, healthier life. Rooted in science, 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’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.