The NFL Players Association helped launch First Lady Michelle Obama's latest initiative, Let's Read!
Let's Read! is designed to help encourage children to continue reading during the upcoming summer break, as well as continue to exercise in an effort to combat childhood obesity.
The Let’s Move! Let’s Read! event was launched today at the Kennedy Recreation Center in Northwest, D.C. with the help of the Corporation for National and Community Service whose mission is to help young people expand opportunities to engage young people in summer reading and physical activities as well as provide access to healthy, affordable food.
The NFLPA, with its own initiative, Play 60, was also established to help fight childhood obesity.
We caught up with the NFLPA's Executive Director, DeMaurice Smith to ask him about the First Lady's new initiative and the NFL players who participate in Play 60.
“All of our players believe in not only healthy bodies, but healthy minds. We have a firm commitment to helping kids just be better. Be betters students, be better athletes", said Smith.
Adding,” This is a community that I grew up in. It is symbolic of what our players do everyday. They are not only great players on the field, but they’re also good people in the community. So, to be able to reach out and touch and accomplish both of those things today, it meant a lot to the players for me to be here. It’s a great thing for our communities nationwide.”
We also asked him about the Redskins and the acquisition of Chris Draft, who was recognized by the NFLPA for a JB Award earlier this year. His second in two years.
"Chris is not only a strong player on the field, but he's been one of our team representatives for a number of years. So, having a guy who is not only a great player, but a strong union man, to be in DC is fantastic. As a Redskin fan myself, it's good to see him here.
Adding, "So, he'll join London Fletcher and Ethan Albright (not currently listed on the Skins roster) as representatives of the Redskins."
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