News Release
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].
###
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 longstanding 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.