Atlanta Falcons Harry Douglas and Eric Weems

The NFL's Atlanta Falcons have begun an aggressive fight against childhood and youth obesity here in the State of Georgia. To kick off the initiative, they visited Dresden Elementary school in Chamblee last week.

Atlanta Falcons' Barrett Reynolds, Christopher Owens, Harry Douglas, and Eric Weems played hula hoop, tug-of-war, jump rope, and football with the youngsters. It kicked off the team's 3-month "First Down for
Fitness" campaign.

The program runs through November and it is designed to challenge 3rd through 7th grade students throughout the Peach State.

The team is urging youngsters to participate in fitness activities in order to stay healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle. The incentive-laden program incorporates the philosophy of the NFL's "Play 60" movement, of which the Falcons are among the National Football League leaders.

The Falcons' First Down for Fitness is at an all-time high with over 40,000 students participating in the program. You can learn more about the program by going to AtlantaFalcons.com/Community Programs, and you can hear our GPB Sports Blog interview with Chris Owens and see the story at PositivePub.com.