NFL champion gives “Golden” opportunity to students in New Dundee
Posted Apr 13, 2016 04:37:08 PM.
Last Updated Apr 14, 2016 06:53:40 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Before the Detroit Lion showed up in his school bus, students at New Dundee Public School lined the school yard chanting “Golden Tate, you are great!”
The school partnered with the league as part of the NFL’s Play 60 program. The aim is to motivate kids to move before, during and after school for at least an hour a day. Golden Tate was a special surprise for the students, who completed almost 350,000 minutes of physical activity over the past 28 days.
The wide receiver/punt returner is visiting four schools across the country that are part of the pilot and said it’s important for professional athletes to give back in this way.
“We hear it so often and sometimes it’s overused but our kids truly are our future,” Tate said. “We need to teach them how to be healthy … they look up to us because the TV is everywhere, internet is everywhere so I want to set the best example I possibly can for them and this is a great start.”
The 2013 Super Bowl champion never experienced a visit from a professional athlete at his school growing up, though he said he wishes he did. Today, he was moved by the warm reception.
“It makes me feel good. I didn’t realize we expanded so far into Canada and that these kids even know who Golden Tate is, so the fact that they know that and are supporting me, I really appreciate it.”
Throughout the rest of his visit, kids continued to cheer and chant his name.
“They seem really excited and genuine about me being here so I hope i make this the best day ever for them.”
