Playworks is thrilled to be supported by the Atlanta Falcons Youth Foundation (AFYF) in our efforts to bring the power of play to Georgia’s kids. Thanks in large part to the Foundation’s generosity as a Founding Partner, we’ve been able to launch Playworks Georgia in conjunction with Georgia SHAPE, with the goal of providing direct service and training programs to elementary schools in Atlanta and throughout the state.
With its aim of reducing childhood obesity and improving youth fitness, the Foundation has a mission that fits squarely with that of Playworks. Through our programs that focus on safe, healthy and inclusive recess, all students have the opportunity to participate in physical activity while learning about teamwork, conflict resolution, empathy and fair play. Children look forward to recess and then return to the classroom ready to learn. Teachers deal with fewer disciplinary and injury problems and can get back to class work more quickly. And schools are less likely to consider doing away with recess altogether because of these concerns.
In underserved communities, the need for a healthy and active recess is even greater, given that many children there don’t have the same opportunities for after-school and other extra-curricular sports activities. We’re grateful for AFYF’s commitment to serving these young people and are proud to be working alongside the Foundation and Georgia SHAPE to ensure that every child in Georgia has access to safe and meaningful play, every day!
