Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan surprises students with Matthew Stafford on ACES Day

What were children across the world doing at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 5? Exercising!  That’s because it was ACES (All Children Exercise Simultaneously) Day, a program that encourages students to exercise and engage in physical activity.  And, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan made ACES Day extra special for one school in Michigan.

 Matthew Stafford poses with students during ACES Day.

Students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy in Mount Clemens were surprised when Matthew Stafford, quarterback of the Detroit Lions, showed up to exercise along with them. He spoke to the more than 300 students and staff about the importance of eating healthy and exercising. Six students had the chance to ask Stafford questions about his exercise and healthy eating habits, while six others got to participate in a HOPSports activity with him. Stafford then lead everyone in a walk around the school and spent time visiting with students at activity stations where he helped kids jump rope, threw football passes and challenged students to pull-up contests.

In 2009, Matthew Stafford and BCBSM announced their partnership to combat childhood obesity in Michigan through the promotion of preventive measures that foster healthy lifestyles. This partnership was truly witnessed at MLK Academy in Mount Clemens on ACES Day.      

Stafford challenges student pull-up contest on Fitness Center funded by BCBSM grants.

 Stafford talks to Michael Patrick Shiels of WJIM-AM, while Ken Dallafior looks on.