Kiersten Allen, wife of Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen, recently spoke to 300 American Heart Association (AHA) staff and volunteers about NFL Play 60 and the proposed FIT Kids Act.
The luncheon focused on the NFL's national partnership with the AHA, specifically the Redskins Play 60 initiative.
"It's been four years ago that the NFL first launched the NFL Play 60 campaign," Allen told the gathering. "It is a national youth health and fitness initiative to increase wellness in our young fans.
"The NFL's platform is to encourage all kids to exercise and be active for at least 60 minutes a day."
The event was part of the AHA's two-day visit to Washington, which culminated with a trip to Capitol Hill to lobby Congress for consideration on the proposed FIT Kids Act.
This legislation, if enacted, would amend No Child Left Behind to emphasize diet and exercise in school curriculum and keep children active during the school day.
"While we are proud of the impact the Redskins Play 60 and NFL PLAY 60 have made with our youth, the NFL has also taken on a role in advocating for policy changes that will support our work towards ending childhood obesity," Allen said.
"We have proudly endorsed the FIT Kids Act alongside the American Heart Association and we are hopeful that Congress will recognize the importance of physical education."
Allen also discussed the specifics of Redskins Play 60.
"All year round, our players are taking a hands-on approach to this initiative," she said. "Right here in DC, our own Donovan McNabb packed Fed Ex Field with thousands of kids running drills, throwing balls, catching passes and exercising."
Through school visits and events hosted by the organization, the Redskins Play 60 event reached almost 20,000 youth in DC, Maryland, and Virginia last year.
"Because the NFL plays a major role in so many communities around the country, we embrace this responsibility to lead by example."
For more information, visit Redskins Youth Fitness on Redskins.com.
