The American Heart Association and the National Football League award grants nationwide to help promote healthier schools
BUSSEY, IA, February 9, 2026 — Physical activity is vital to American students’ physical health and emotional well-being, helping them learn, concentrate and manage stress throughout the school day, yet most youth are not getting enough movement. According to the American Heart Association, only 1 in 4 children ages 6 to 11 are currently getting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity — a statistic that more than doubles for youth ages 12 to 17. To help promote physical movement for students, the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) recently awarded Twin Cedars Elementary with an NFL PLAY 60™ grant through its Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ program.
This year marks the launch of an enhanced grant structure that includes a $350,000 annual funding pool provided by the NFL. It builds on the existing Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge school grant program established by the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere.
“Creating environments where kids can stay active and feel supported throughout the school day is essential to their success. This grant gives schools in our community meaningful tools to strengthen both physical activity and overall well‑being,” said Cameron Nicholson, board member for the Des Moines American Heart Association – CEO management & Regulatory Compliance of YMCA of Greater Des Moines. “We appreciate the NFL’s continued commitment to helping young people build healthy habits, and we’re proud to see that commitment making a direct impact here at home.”
NFL PLAY 60 grants support four key areas identified by schools and educators, including physical activity equipment, FLAG football, recess enhancements and inclusive physical education, and well-being resources. Twin Cedars received a [grant category] grant in the amount of $500.
“For two decades, NFL PLAY 60 has been committed to helping kids lead healthier, more active lives, and this year’s expanded grant program reflects that commitment in an even larger way,” said Megan Mendoza, Senior Manager of Social Responsibility, NFL. “We’re proud to work with the American Heart Association to give schools across the country the tools and resources they need to inspire movement, strengthen well‑being and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Rooted in 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’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
NFL PLAY 60 grant applications are accepted year-round and another group of grant recipients will be announced in April. Information on NFL PLAY 60 resources and available 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. 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:
Rodrigo Gonzalez, Rodrigo.Gonzalez@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
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