The Browns, in partnership with American Dairy Association Mideast, visited Brecksville-Broadview Heights Middle School on Tuesday to congratulate students during this year's Fuel Up to PLAY 60 "For the Love of Play" grant competition.
Pro Bowl offensive tackle Joe Thomas and Fuel Up to PLAY 60 joined Browns mascot Chomps in recognizing Brecksville-Broadview Heights Middle School (BBHMS) for championing the Fuel Up to PLAY 60 youth health and wellness initiative. Thomas shared a nutritious breakfast with the top-performing students before participating in a festive game of Jeopardy. The event culminated with Thomas presenting the school with a $10,000 grant that will help the school meet its health and wellness goals.
The Browns and Fuel Up to PLAY 60 awarded BBHMS the $10,000 grant as it continued its excellence in promoting physical activity and getting students involved through the NFL's "For the Love of Play" program. Throughout the event, Thomas stressed the importance of getting active and eating healthy and even let the students in on some of his personal health tips.
"Eat the "rainbow on your plate," Thomas told the eager kids, "if you have a bunch of different color foods on your plate – as long as they're not Skittles – it is usually a pretty healthy and balanced meal."
Fuel up to PLAY 60 Ohio State Ambassador, and BBHMS student, Avery Diedrick was also on hand and taken aback by the day's event. "For us to have Joe come out and dedicate some of his time to not only this program, but the school, means so much to us," Diedrick said.
Diedrick, along with Physical Education Teacher Maria Schneider, spearheaded the program at BBHMS. They encouraged the students to share how they were staying active by logging their daily activities as well as tracking healthy eating habits and saying how they love to play and be active. Their efforts started in the fall, when the Browns visited BBHMS during a First and Ten event for the district's commitment to Fuel Up to PLAY 60 and promoting the PLAY 60 initiative to get active for at least 60 minutes each day. The school plans to use the grant to fund a fitness center for staff and students.
Fuel Up to PLAY 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program from the National Dairy Council and the National Football League in cooperation with USDA that empowers youth to improve nutrition and physical activity at their school and for their own health. To learn more, visit **http://www.drink-milk.com/tools-for-schools/fuel-up-to-play-60.aspx**.
