At ages 26 and 23 respectively, Kansas City Chiefs LS Thomas Gafford and K Ryan Succop aren’t often confused as elementary school students. However, on a recent visit to Woodland Elementary, these two channeled their inner child for an important message. This duo spoke with the students about the benefits of eating right and getting at least 60 minutes of activity a day. Following that, these Chiefs specialists participated in a “Chiefs Play 60 Challenge” activity along with the students.

“It’s pretty simple,” Succop shared with the students. “We’re challenging you all to make sure you’re doing the right things. We know first-hand how important making healthy decisions are. Today, we’re here to show you how simple it can be. It doesn’t take much effort at all.”

With that, Gafford and Succop joined the students outside. There, they charted how many steps it takes to do everyday activities. Then, they practiced different strategies for increasing those totals.

The Kansas City Chiefs and the American Heart Association created the “Chiefs Play 60 Challenge” to help curb the growing epidemic of obesity among our youth. This program inspires kids to get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day, be it in school or at home. Currently, the program is in schools throughout the metro and is having a profound impact on today’s youth.

“This visit by the Chiefs was so important for our kids,” noted Woodland Elementary’s Julie Webb. “When the Chiefs come out here and tell our students the same message we are, then suddenly what we say is relevant to them. Honestly, the message is pretty simple. It boils down to healthy eating habits and moving more throughout the course of your everyday activities. We might have planted the seeds but the Chiefs involvement really allows for that message to grow for these kids.”

This is just one of the team’s “Play 60” programming. Another is the Chiefs Sports Lab. The Chiefs Sports Lab’s “in-school” program is currently being utilized by metro-area schools. This in-school program is complete with activity lockers and mini-labs. That program features hand-on activities and interactive computers for students and children, promoting the importance of being active in your daily life, good nutrition, and healthy living.

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