By Paul Thompson
Northeast News

Have you ever wondered how it would feel to share a field with Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt?

One lucky group of kids in the Historic Northeast can now tell you all about it.

On Monday, May 9 at the 9th and Van Brunt Athletic Fields, Hunt joined Chiefs center Mitch Morse, KC Wolf, Chiefs cheerleaders and various Chiefs personnel for a Play60 event, which is designed to promote good health and fitness habits in today’s youth.

The May 9 event was sponsored in tandem by Kansas City Parks and Recreation and the Recreation Council of Greater Kansas City, an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of people with disabilities through participation in recreation and leisure activities.

After coaching participants through a series of drills, Hunt spoke to the importance of providing these kinds of opportunities for young boys and girls with physical disabilities.

“A lot of people them they can’t do some things, but if they go out there and do everything that everybody else is doing, they feel like they fit right in,” said Hunt.

The event was a magnet for smiles, with the young attendees encouraged to practice their touchdown dances after completing each drill.

Hunt and the other Chiefs reveled in the happy faces of the participants and their families.

“It feels really good. I’m just excited to be out here to, you know, see how excited these kids are to see me, and just have fun, play football and do some of these drills,” Hunt said. “It’s a lot of energy; a lot of people are having fun here, and it’s just a good time to spend this afternoon.”

As for the upcoming season, Hunt said that he was excited about the team’s offseason and looking forward to playing alongside new weapons like wide receiver Sammy Watkins.

“I feel like we had a good draft, too, so I’m excited to see what everybody brings to the table this year,” Hunt said. “We’ve got to be hungry.”