NFL Play 60 Character Camp is focused on encouraging youth through activity, learning and support
Kaira Espinoza
Special to El Observador
On the clear, brisk morning of Friday, July 8th, 2016, more than 300 youth- ranging in age from 9 to 13 years old- enthusiastically participated in the NFL Play 60 Character Camp held at the Raiders Training Facility. The camps were created 5 years ago by Hall of Famer, former NFL (Cincinnati Bengals) player Anthony Munoz and his son, Michael Munoz (who also played for the NFL).
The key focus of these energetic athletic camps is to encourage kids to be physically active at least 60 minutes each day. Complete with water stations, high energy music booming from speakers, and a couple Raiderettes, the kids had all the encouragement to give their best! Indeed, kids were very receptive to the camp activities, which included catching and passing the football; working in pairs; navigating obstacle courses; and practicing professional football techniques of handing-off and protecting the football.
It is rare to see Founders of such organizations actually at local events, but Anthony and Michael were very happy to be there, sharing their messages of health and fitness with the young participants, and had such down-to-earth, approachable personalities for the media interviews.
Observing Anthony speaking to the kids, encouraging them to make good decisions- both on and off the football field- his genuine spirit shines bright. Asked how it feels to see these camps he created in action, Anthony responded, “When I see these kids out here, learning the game and really enjoying it, it’s nice-it’s really nice!”
After knowing firsthand what these types of camps had on his own development and seeing the positive impact his Play 60 camps had in Cincinnati, he became determined to expand these camps on a national and international level. Since 2012, more than 50 camps have been implemented across the country, impacting over 20,000 kids. Most recently, they also held Play 60 character camps in Mexico. To get kids you know involved, visit: www.NFLrush.com
