All kids can stay healthy and active, no matter what their abilities — especially when they have pro football players to motivate them.
On a recent Tuesday morning in March, UnitedHealthcare joined the New Orleans Saints in hosting an all-abilities Saints Play Football Experience for nearly 150 St. Michael Special School students. The school is home to kids ages 8 and up living with varying developmental skills.
The unique, all-abilities experience was held at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center located just outside New Orleans and featured seven modified drill stations, all designed to keep kids moving.
“The Saints Play Football Experience was developed with the NFL PLAY 60 message in mind, which encourages kids to get active for at least 60 minutes a day,” said Joe Ochipinti, CEO, UnitedHealthcare, Gulf States. “The program is designed to help them increase their physical activity and help fight childhood obesity.”
Saints wide receiver Keith Kirkwood, defensive tackle David Onyemata and tight ends Josh Hill and Garrett Griffin demonstrated the importance of physical activity to the determined and excited students. Joining the players to engage and entertain the budding young athletes were Saints mascot Gumbo and UnitedHealthcare mascot Dr. Health E. Hound.
