INDIANAPOLIS—The NFL Players Association brought its “One Team One Community” platform to Super Bowl week, hosting a football and fitness clinic featuring former and active NFL players.
Several former and current players attended the 2012 NFLPA Super Bowl Fitness Challenge, held Friday afternoon at St. Jude Catholic School in Indianapolis. Approximately 300 to 350 students in grades 5-8 participated in various activity stations, and business partners American Express and Dairy Management Inc. (DMI)/Indiana Dairy Council, also were involved.
“It’s the opportunity of a lifetime for them to meet players from the NFL, and we’re just as excited to be here,” said David Caldwell of the Indianapolis Colts. “Anytime you can come out and give back to them, it’s something I really enjoy doing.”
Current NFL players Caldwell, Kirk Morrison (Buffalo), Kamerion Wimbley (Oakland), Titus Young (Detroit), Brian Robiskie (Jacksonville) and Charlie Batch (Pittsburgh) teamed up with local volunteers to make a difference in the Indianapolis community as events surrounding the biggest game in sports have hit their city. By impacting 300 to 350 students, the event was focused on healthy lifestyle information and fitness skills as part of One Team One Community, the NFL Players Association’s public service platform.
The kids wore a variety of NFL jerseys, including those of Colts players like Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne and Joseph Addai.
“I’m having a blast promoting exercise and healthy living,” Morrison said. “One Team One Community is a great platform because we’re all together as one—we’re all part of one team and it’s great to unify and come together for a common cause. This is one of the best events I’ve been to.”
One Team One Community gives partners the chance to come together with players and give back to their communities. Past events in the community have included support for the military, hospital visits, re-planting of community gardens, health and wellness clinics and fundraising events to name a few.
“I’m definitely enjoying being out here, and sharing time with these kids is really important to me,” Wimbley said. “You see that they appreciate it, and that makes it all worthwhile. It really helps bring the game of football to their level.”
Former NFL players in attendance were Nolan Harrison, Bernard Whittington, Jermaine Hampton, Rashad Barksdale, Stu O’Dell and Brandon Hayes. A deejay provided event music and assisted with announcements and giveaways. The children rotated through several stations including a quarterback challenge, relay race, fumble recovery and kicking and receiving skills.
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Photos provided by Kevin Koski.
THANKS for providing this great event for our school children! It was an outstanding afternoon!