<span style="">The NFL and United Way's Hometown Huddle is a collection of hands-on volunteer projects implemented simultaneously on a single Tuesday in October in different NFL cities across the country.   

This year the New Orleans Saints Hometown Huddle project emphasized the importance of Youth Fitness by working to "jump start" KIPP Central City Academy's physical education department. The project assisted the new P.E. teacher to determine the school's needs, including the purchase of equipment and assembly of a curriculum that will help build and enhance the school's P.E. department.

Yesterday, Saints Owner/Executive Vice President Rita Benson LeBlanc and Saints players TE Marvin Mitchell/Billy Miller.aspx">Billy Miller, CB Mike McKenzie, WR Lynell Hamilton/Skyler Green.aspx">Skyler Green, LB Troy Evans and a couple of Saintsations joined 48 fifth and sixth grade students to beautify the schools new courtyard. Following a lunch break, the students and players then participate in a Field Day utilizing the newly donated equipment and inflatable's provided by the New Orleans Saints' Youth Programs staff.

About KIPP New Orleans Schools
KIPP New Orleans Schools is a network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory, public charter schools dedicated to empowering student with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in college and in life. KIPP schools provide more time for learning, a college-preparatory curriculum, and extra help for students to ensure that all kids are on the path to college. There are five KIPP schools in New Orleans serving over 1,000 students in grades pre-kindergarten through eight, and a KIPP high school is slated to open in 2010. Although most students enter KIPP schools over two grade levels behind academically, over 90 percent of KIPP New Orleans students have passed the high-stakes LEAP test, and alumni have earned acceptances to college-preparatory high schools throughout the New Orleans area.

KIPP Central City Academy, one of five local KIPP schools, serves over 250 fifth and sixth grade students in the newly renovated W.J. Guste School building in the Central City neighborhood. The school will grow to serve over 330 students in grades five through eight by 2010. Along with its sister school, KIPP Central City Primary, the schools is dedicated to helping students from Central City and across New Orleans succeed in college and in life. For more information, please visit www.kippneworleans.org.