Gwinnett Daily Post

Atlanta Falcons' Rafael Bush holds his hand up to give a high five to a Meadowcreek Elementary School student as he crosses the finish line during an obstacle course on Tuesday morning at the school's gym as part of the First Down for Fitness program.

NORCROSS -- For 10-year-old Robbie Randall, it was a big day. Not only did the Meadowcreek Elementary student get to meet one of his favorite athletes, he got to toss the pigskin with him.

Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver Harry Douglas said he remembers what it's like to be a young man like Randall looking up to the pros.

"Back when I was in their shoes, I would have loved it if somebody from the NFL came to my school," said Douglas, who with several other Atlanta Falcons and cheerleaders, stopped by Meadowcreek Tuesday as part of a fitness program sponsored by the team.

Douglas, Safety William Moore and other Falcons players and cheerleaders, visited with students like Randall in the school gym to kick off the fifth year for the Atlanta Falcons First Down for Fitness Program.

"I really enjoy this," Douglas said. "Interacting with the kids, it's great."

Randall agreed.

"This is amazing," the student said as he watched fellow students catch and throw passes to Falcons players. Mascot Freddie Falcon also arrived to get the kids excited about fitness. Students danced to music thumping throughout the gym.

Physical Education Teacher Cindy McIver said she was happy to have players arrive at the school. "It's getting them into the groove," McIver said. "It's good for them to get so excited about fitness like this.

The school is part of the three-month program sponsored by the NFL team designed to challenge students in third through seventh grades to participate in fitness activities and live a healthy lifestyle.

Randall was sold on the idea. "It's a good program," the young man said. "Lots of fun."

For more information about the program, visit www.atlantafalcons.com