Students at Corkran Middle School in Anne Arundel County had quite the exercise routine Tuesday.
They ran agility drills on their school field with Baltimore Ravens center Matt Birk. They stretched with Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo. They high-fived Gov. Martin O'Malley. And they heard repeatedly from some of their sports heroes that they should get out from in front of the computer and TV and get some exercise.
Shannon Thomas, an eighth-grade student, bounced excitedly as she watched her classmates run and jump.
"I can't even find the words," said Shannon, 13. "I love gym. It's our only chance during school hours that we can do something besides sitting behind a desk."
The visit by members of the Baltimore Ravens was sponsored by the NFL Network's "Keep Gym in School" initiative, which advocates for physical education classes in schools across the country. As childhood obesity in the United States has skyrocketed - more than tripling since 1980 - public schools have cut physical education classes. According to a joint study by the American Heart Association and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, the percentage of students who attended daily gym classes dropped to 28 percent in 2003, from 42 percent in 1991.
The network, which broadcasts 24-hour coverage of the NFL, provided a $50,000 grant to Corkran, one of four schools nationwide to receive the funding. The school made major improvements to its existing sports and fitness facilities, including the outdoor tennis and basketball courts. Corkran also installed a rock-climbing wall and purchased new fitness and training equipment.
The NFL Network began the program in 2008 and has provided 3,000 students with refurbished fields and other facilities, provided training and lesson plans to 300 gym teachers and educated 60,000 students with its message of the importance of physical activity. Locally, the network teamed with Verizon FiOS, which broadcasts public service announcements for the program.
The day started with a pep rally in the school's gymnasium. Teachers and administrators wore purple. Corkran Principal Deborah Montgomery had a personalized Ravens jersey made for the occasion.
"We're thrilled," said Montgomery, who credited one of the school's physical education teachers, Nancy Snyder, for applying for the grant.
