The Atlanta Falcons staged the world’s largest physical education class yesterday and shattered a Guinness World Record in an effort to battle childhood obesity. The end result was a phenomenal gathering of more than 2,300 Atlanta area kids, Falcons players and cheerleaders, plus military members all moving and grooving together in the Georgia Dome. “The Atlanta Falcons are committed to making sure children in Atlanta and all over the country get excited about exercise,” Stephanie Blank, wife of Falcons owner Arthur Blank, said. “Our message is that it’s cool to exercise, it’s good for you, it’s fun. I think, over time, that people get the message that this is what we should be doing.” As an advocate for children, Mrs. Blank serves as a board member of Camp Sunshine, a board member of The Emory University Board of Visitors, and an advisory board member of the Atlanta Outward Bound Center.
The record-breaking event began at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday morning when the huge crowd began their workout. For 30 minutes, participants at the Georgia Dome, plus students in classrooms throughout the state all exercised at the same time. At 11:25 a.m., officials from the Guinness Book of World Records certified the new record. “It was fun to see the kids smiling, and it’s a good thing to teach the kids that working out can be fun and it makes you feel better as a person,” linebacker Stephen Nicholas said. “It was a good experience.” Wide receiver Andy Strickland, safety William Moore, running back and wide receiver Harry Douglas, running back Antoine Smith, and cornerback Christopher Owens also participated in the event.
“We are excited about the opportunity to continue to spread awareness and emphasize the benefits of exercise and proper nutrition for our young people,” Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay said prior to the event. “We recognize that our players and cheerleaders have significant influence in changing behaviors that lead to childhood obesity, and we look forward to continuing our fight of moving kids from sedentary lifestyles to active ones.”
The Falcons' First Down for Fitness Program is a three-month program designed to challenge third through seventh grade students throughout the state of Georgia to participate in fitness activities, eat healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle.
The program incorporates components of the NFL’s Play 60 program, the American Heart Association, and the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association’s Fuel Up to Play 60 nutrition program. Students must participate in physical fitness activities at least 60 minutes, five days a week and maintain healthy eating habits.
This childhood obesity event was a great way for the Atlanta Falcons to give back to their fans and the local community. The hometown team currently holds the number one position in ESPN.com’s Power Rankings for the NFL. The Falcons lead the New England Patriots, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens, and the New Orleans Saints, the other top 5 NFL teams for Week 14.
Sources: Atlantafalcons.com, AJC, ESPN
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