Detroit Lions' Billy Sims Visits Hamilton Middle School « Back

Sims, Students Celebrate Two Years of Fuel Up to Play 60 Success

TULSA, Okla. – Retired Detroit Lions running back, Billy Sims, visited Hamilton Middle School in Tulsa today to recognize students for their dedication to tackling childhood obesity. Sims’ visit culminates two years of success with Fuel Up to Play 60, an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by the National Dairy Council, and National Football League, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture. The program, in which more than 70,000 schools nationwide and more than 1,900 schools across Oklahoma are involved, encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods, including low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and to achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. In Tulsa, Fuel Up to Play 60 is provided by Midwest Dairy Council.

Hamilton Middle School is being recognized by Midwest Dairy Council as a top finisher in the organization’s Oklahoma territory this school year. With the guidance of Fuel Up To Play 60 Program Advisor Pat Lee, students have been busy implementing Fuel Up to Play 60 healthy eating and physical activity “plays” since the 2009-2010 school year, when Hamilton was first declared the Fuel Up to Play 60 Oklahoma state champions.

“The foundation the students built last year was an awesome launching pad for their successes this year. The kids have worked hard and really deserve this honor,” Lee said. "These building blocks of health will serve our students well as they continue their journey into the future."

 Sims, recipient of the Heisman trophy in 1978 and first overall pick in the 1980 NFL draft, will speak at the all-school assembly about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity. Local dairy farmer, Maria Chupp of Inola, Okla., will also talk more about dairy farmers’ commitment to child health and wellness. After a question and answer session, and student recognition ceremony, students will enjoy a little competition and entertainment with a hula hoop contest. A milk toast celebrating the school’s Fuel Up to Play 60 success will cap-off the assembly.  

“I’m very pleased that Fuel Up to Play 60 has empowered Hamilton students to take control of their own health, and make their school environment healthier by eating right and getting daily physical activity,” said Lori Dather, health and wellness program manager with Midwest Dairy Council. “The students have set a high standard for themselves that will no doubt continue at home this summer.”

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Midwest Dairy Council®, an affiliate of National Dairy Council, is the nutrition education division of Midwest Dairy Association. The Council is dedicated to dairy nutrition research and education through the investment of more than 11,000 dairy farm families across 10 Midwestern states, and is committed to child health and wellness through our collaborative program, Fuel Up to Play 60. For more information, visit www.midwestdairy.com. Follow us on Twitter and find us on Facebook at Midwest Dairy.