Teaching children to Play 60 was the theme of this past weekend, as the Buffalo Bills hosted the first ever Play 60 Ultimate Field Day for Kids at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Hundreds of children gathered on-field for the exciting opportunity to Play 60 with Buffalo Bills players, as each child participated in football themed stations.
Current players Ryan Fitzpatrick, Fred Jackson, C.J. Spiller, Mario Williams, Aaron Williams, Da'Norris Searcy, Kraig Urbik, Stephon Gilmore, T.J. Graham, Mike Jasper, Arthur Moats, Alex Carrington, Kevin Brock, Chris Douglas, Cris Hill, Ron Brooks, John Potter, Nick Saenz, Brad Smith, David Clowney and Eric Wood participated in the Field Day, as well as alumni member Marlon Kerner. The players enjoyed interacting with the kids, teaching them the Play 60 message.
"A lot of these kids look up to you. They imitate what you do, they respect what you do…it's good to see faces and interact," said Bills defensive end Mario Williams. "Being healthy is a lot easier when you start out young."
Football stations included kicking, throwing, catching, and running.
"We did some stations where I was throwing the kids some passes and some teaching them how to throw," said Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. "There are a lot of good athletes out here."
"We're doing the same drills we do at practice," said Bills running back C.J. Spiller. "The main thing is coming out with the kids, teaching them to get out every day to Play 60 minutes a day."
Children enjoyed face painting, mid-field photo opportunity's provided by Xerox, appearances by Billy Buffalo and the Buffalo Jills as well as national recording artist Chiddy Bang.
In addition, they had the opportunity to learn about fitness and nutrition from BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and The American Dairy Association and Dairy Council.
The Bills fan wagon was on-site, selling Bills memorabilia and the newly released Mario Williams #94 Nike jersey.
In addition, Bills players rotated for autograph sessions, as children had the opportunity to meet and talk with their favorite Bills players.
Children and adults a-like enjoyed Saturday's event, as some drove many miles to attend. Scott Hurley and his son traveled over six hours Saturday for the Play 60 event. Hurley is a six-year Bills season ticket holder from Shaftsbury, Vermont who made lifelong memories with his son at One Bills Drive.
"As the event was finishing my son and I had a little talk at the field's edge, high fived each other and headed to the gate where some staff members gave him a neat little Bills backpack with some goodies in it," said Hurley. "We made so many memories today. First class event. Thanks to all."
The event was made possible by Bills partners including BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, Xerox, New Era Cap Company, The American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, Gatorade, Delaware North and Kiss 98.5.
Children left the Ultimate Field Day with a better understanding of the Play 60 message, lifelong memories and inspiration from their favorite Bills players.
