FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: [INSERT DATE], 2013
CONTACT: [INSERT NAME]
[INSERT PHONE], [INSERT EMAIL]
NFL PLAY 60 AND [INSERT LOCAL UNITED WAY] HOLD [INSERT EVENT/ACTIVITY] FOR [INSERT LOCATION] YOUTH
Events held across the country to celebrate 15 years of
successful Hometown Huddle Program
[CITY, STATE] – For 15 years, NFL PLAY 60 and United Way have partnered on Hometown Huddle, a program engaging NFL players and clubs in hands-on community service projects across the country. To celebrate this anniversary, [INSERT NFL PLAYER] will team up with [INSERT LOCAL UNITED WAY] to [INSERT ACTIVITY] in order to share the importance of maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle.
[THIS GRAPH SHOULD SHARE DETAILS ABOUT THE LOCAL EVENTS BEING HELD, INCLUDING WHAT’S HAPPENING, WHO IS PARTICIPATING, WHERE IT’S BEING HELD AND WHEN.]
[INSERT QUOTE FROM LOCAL UNITED WAY LEADER] [An example quote that can be changed as necessary is: “In order to ensure the youngest generation can grow to be successful, contributing members of society, they must have the basic skills and knowledge to keep physically fit,” said John Doe, president of Local United Way. “We’re proud to partner with NFL PLAY 60 and the [insert team name] to ensure more children in [insert city] are active, happy and healthy.”]
Since 1999, NFL teams across the country have partnered with United Way to make a difference in local communities through Hometown Huddle. Through this program, NFL players, coaches and leadership gather on the same day each year in different cities to participate in a variety of youth fitness projects—building fitness zones, hosting youth football clinics, rebuilding neighborhood playgrounds, upgrading fitness facilities.
The United Way and NFL partnership connects NFL PLAY 60 with United Way’s goal of increasing healthy behaviors in 1.9 million young people by 2018. Designed to tackle childhood obesity, NFL PLAY 60 brings together the NFL’s long-standing commitment to health and fitness with partner organizations like United Way. PLAY 60 is also implemented locally, as part of the NFL's in-school, after-school and team-based programs.
The 40 year partnership between the NFL and United Way is the longest-running partnership in history between a major sports league and a nonprofit organization. To take a look back at the partnership’s success, fans are encouraged to participate in a nationwide vote, powered by the USA TODAY Ad Meter to identify the public’s favorite NFL-United Way public service announcement from the last 40 years. Former NFL-United Way spokesman [PLAYER NAME] of the [TEAM NAME] is featured in one of the top 40 ads of this vote. To cast your vote, visit nflunitedway40.usatodaysports.com and rate the ads. Voting begins with the annual NFL-United Way Hometown Huddle on October 22 and culminates on November 19. The winning ad will be announced during NFL Homecoming on December 15.
For more information, please visit [INSERT WEBSITE TO LOCAL UNITED WAY PAGE HOSTING EVENT DETAILS].
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About NFL PLAY 60
Mission: To make the next generation of youth the most active and healthy. In October 2007, the NFL launched NFL PLAY 60, a national youth health and fitness campaign focused on increasing the wellness of young fans by encouraging them to be active for at least 60 minutes a day. Designed to tackle childhood obesity, NFL PLAY 60 brings together the NFL's long-standing commitment to health and fitness with an impressive roster of partner organizations. In addition to national outreach and online programs, NFL PLAY 60 is implemented at the grassroots level through NFL's in-school, after-school and team-based programs. The NFL PLAY 60 initiative is prominent during the NFL's key calendar events, including Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, Draft, Kickoff and Thanksgiving and is supported by many NFL players and coaches year round. To date, the NFL has dedicated over $250 million to youth health and wellness through NFL PLAY 60.
About the NFL & United Way Partnership
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the partnership between the National Football League and United Way. Across the country, NFL clubs and players are working with United Ways to advance health and education for America’s young people through national and local initiatives like the annual NFL & United Way Hometown Huddle and United Way TEAM NFL. The work is in support of United Way’s 2018 goals to get 1.9 million more kids active and healthy by 2018 and to cut the high school dropout rate in half by 2018.
About United Way
United Way is a worldwide movement of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 41 countries and territories. It advances the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality life. The United Way movement mobilizes millions to action – to give, advocate and volunteer – to improve conditions in their local community. For more information about United Way, please visit: UnitedWay.org.