Running down field, Quinntin Roach broke away from the defender mirroring his route and pulled in a 5-yard pass -- from Washington Redskins' quarterback Robert Griffin III.

"He throws pretty hard," the 9-year-old said. "It hurt a little bit."

Quinntin was among the 40 Fort Meade youngsters ages 9 to 14 who joined the Washington Redskins for the "Salute to Play 60 Challenge" on Tuesday evening at Joint Base Andrews. An estimated 500 children from military families from the Washington, D.C., area participated in the mini-combine event.

The NFL's Play 60 campaign aims to fight childhood obesity by encouraging youth to get active for at least 60 minutes a day.

"We are very appreciative to the National Football League and the Play 60 Challenge, which seeks to make the next generation of youth the most active and most healthy," said Barbara Thompson, director of the Office of Family Policy and Children and Youth. "This compliments what we do in the Department of Defense, and it is so exciting to see such young, healthy, active military youth.

"We applaud the efforts of the Washington Redskins for promoting healthy initiatives in support of military children and their families. ...You have touched our children's lives forever."

Several Redskin players served as "celebrity trainers" for the mini-combine that included a variety of drills ranging from catching to running drills that improved footwork.

Redskin celebrity trainers included Griffin, running back Alfred Morris, receiver Josh Morgan, fullback Darrel Young, receiver Niles Paul, cornerback Josh Wilson and guard Adam Gettis.

Garrison Commander Col. Brian P. Foley said he appreciated the Redskins for taking the time to be with the children.

"It's just really awesome," he said. "It's a real class act by the Redskins this afternoon. ... I leave this with a really, really great impression of the Redskins as an organization, as a team. I'm really impressed by the professionalism of the players."

The 90-minute event opened with Tanya Snyder, wife of Redskins owner Daniel Snyder, presenting Foley with a $5,000 check for Army youth programs.

During a short opening ceremony, two of the Redskins discussed their relationships to the military, including Griffin. Both his parents served in the Army.

"I was once where you all were, going to camps and events," he said. "We're looking forward to having a lot of fun with you guys today."

Young's brother has served in the military for the past 15 years, including five tours of duty in Afghanistan.

"The military is special to me," he said. "What your parents do, they are great heroes every day. ... We thank you guys."

In his brief remarks, Bruce Allen, executive vice president and general manager of the Redskins, also thanked the children and their parents for their service.

"You all look at them as heroes, but the Washington Redskins organization looks at your parents and your mentors as our heroes," Allen said. "We thank you for everything your family has done for America."

The youngsters then split up into small groups, with the Redskins players leading the children through a variety of stations with different drills.

"It was awesome," Quinntin said.

At the end of the drills, the players autographed footballs for the youngsters.

Morgan said he enjoyed spending the evening with the military children.

"It was a lot of fun hanging out with all the kids," he said. "It's always fun. The kids always make you appreciate life that much more. They always have a good time, regardless of what's going on."