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| Defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks speaks to students at Joelton Middle School on Tuesday. |
• Photo Gallery (photos by Joshua Love)
Joelton students will participate in the Titans Play 60 Challenge to become more physically active and will receive various prizes at the end of the challenge. Marks also stressed the importance of leading an active lifestyle which includes a healthy diet that includes low-fat, high fiber foods, low-fat dairy, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains as well as encouraging the students to get at least 60 minutes of active play per day.
Other special guests on hand were Dr. Tina Bozeman, Coordinator of Health, Wellness, Physical Education for Metro Nashville Public Schools, Susan Lyle, Coordinated School Health Specialist for Metro Nashville Public Schools and Joan Benton, School Marketing Manager for Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. to help kick-off the festivities.
Marks told the students that he wouldn't be the player he is today if he hadn't made good choices. During the assembly he also talked about the importance of staying focused during the week, making homework a priority before outside activities and staying positive. Marks is the oldest of eight children, so leadership came naturally to him growing up. He encouraged students to take on a leadership role in their homes, communities and in the classroom.
"We spend the majority of our work day in meetings like you do in the classroom," said Marks. "We learn about the other team and what we'll have to do on Sunday when we face them. If I don't pay attention to what I'm supposed to be doing and stay focused during the week, then when Sunday comes around, I won't be ready. It's the same for you. You need to focus during the week on what you have to get done at school and then you can enjoy your Saturdays to do what you want to do."
After the assembly, 25 students were chosen by the school for their leadership, grades and behavior to spend additional time with Marks for a meet and greet opportunity. The students were able to ask questions and were given an autographed poster and Play 60 materials. The school's principal, Patti Spann, said the students greatly enjoyed the opportunity to meet Marks and be recognized as school leaders and appreciated the encouragement to lead a healthy lifestyle.
About "PLAY 60" Challenge
The Titans "Play 60" initiative encourages youth to get at least sixty minutes of physical activity or play per day in effort to fight childhood obesity. Partnerships with local non-profit organizations, like the American Heart Association and the National Dairy Council, have enhanced this mission and opportunity to reach out to America's youth. Since the NFL's Play 60 inception, the NFL has committed over $100 million to youth health and fitness through programming, media time for public service announcements and grants from Titans Owner K.S. "Bud" Adams' Jr., and his fellow NFL owners and players. For more information about the NFL's Play 60 campaign please visit http://www.nflrush.com/health
About the Southeast Dairy Association
On behalf of dairy farm families, the non-profit Southeast United Dairy Industry Association, Inc. (SUDIA), works with schools, health professionals, retailers, dairy processors and the public to promote dairy foods. For more information, visit www.southeastdairy.org or click here to connect with SUDIA on Facebook.
