The American Heart Association and the National Football League award grants nationwide to help promote healthier schools
Kodiak, Alaska, Mon. April 27, 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, 1 in 10 youth ages 12 to 17 are currently getting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
To help promote physical movement for students, the American Heart Association and the National Football League (NFL) recently awarded Kodiak High School with a $500 NFL PLAY 60™ grant through its Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ program. The school plans to use the funds to purchase equipment to support student’s physical activity during the lunchtime open gym.
“At Kodiak High School, we work hard to create an environment where students can stay active, manage stress and feel supported throughout the day,” said Bailey O’Reilly, physical education and earth sciences educator at Kodiak High School. “This grant will provide fresh equipment that gives our students more opportunities to move, build healthy habits and support their overall well‑being.”
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. 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.
“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.”
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. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In Alaska, connect with us on heart.org/Alaska, Facebook, Instagram or X.
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:
Amber Moak, amber.moak@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
