Jets player visits M.S. 158 in Bayside

Not many students can boast that they tossed a football with a player from the NFL, but the students at M.S. 158, Marie Curie School did just that.
New York Jets safety Erik Coleman zigzagged through construction cones and tossed footballs with a gym class of nearly 100 seventh graders as part of a campaign for What Moves U.
“It’s a positive thing to teach the kids to stay active,” said Coleman, who is in his second year with the program. “I love seeing the looks on their faces while they’re staying active.”
Coleman’s visit on Tuesday, September 25, served as the kick off to the What Moves U campaign. The Marie Curie School is an active participant in the program, participating in both Hoops for Heart and Jump Rope for Heart. The school’s commitment to both of these programs is what led to their selection as the site for the program kick off.
“I think he’s a great role model,” said Principal Marie Nappi. Nappi said that she thought Coleman’s encouragement would help the children make physical activity part of their daily lives.
Developed by the NFL and The American Heart Association, What Moves U is an organization that encourages more students to be active. The program works with schools to incorporate physical activity into their curriculum.
Following the gym class, students swarmed the football player for autographs until heading to the auditorium for an assembly. Coleman answered questions from the students about his practice and workout habits and other athletic interests. Students answered trivia questions based on his answers, the winners received autographed footballs as their prize.
Cradling her signed football in her hands, excited prizewinner Allison Axel said, “I’m shaking right now.”