By Michael Mroziak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-987860.mp3
Buffalo, NY – More than a dozen members of the Buffalo Bills greeted hundreds of Buffalo students, leading them in a rally to choose a healthier lifestyle, including more exercise and more nutritious food.
The Buffalo Bills are the talk of the town, with their successful start to the National Football League season. On Tuesday inside Kleinhans Music Hall, more than a dozen players were welcomed by an enthusiastic concert hall filled with Buffalo students.
The players were there to launch the team's "Play 60" Challenge, a NFL initiative that encourages children to get involved in physical activity at least one hour each day, including 30 minutes at school. Players on hand also encouraged students to make better eating decisions, listing examples of some of their own favorite meals and snacks.
"We're just trying to tell them to put down the potato chips and candy, and pick up fruits and vegetables," said Bills safety George Wilson. "Put down the sodas and drink more water and milk, so they can get off to a good start. It's about having a good foundation to build the rest of your life upon."
Currently, about one of every three American kids is overweight or obese. Wilson and other Bills players hope their influence as professional athletes can encourage their young audience to make better lifestyle choices and reverse the obesity trend.