First Lady Michelle Obama and Big Time Rush turn off
the channel for Nick’s 8th Annual Worldwide Day of Play
(Photo credit: Brenda Hoffman/Getty Images for Nickelodeon)

The threat of rain couldn’t keep Nickelodeon stars, athletes, and families from celebrating Worldwide Day of Play on Saturday. Hosted by Nickelodeon and 50 partner organizations, the flagship event encouraging kids to get active took place on the Ellipse outside the White House in Washington, DC. Nick estimates 50K kids and families joined together for the day. White House resident and First Lady Michelle Obama even came out for a surprise visit to cheer on kids at the obstacle course. The First Lady has been a leader in promoting healthier lifestyles with her nationwide Let’s Move! Campaign and her support of the Presidential Active Lifestyle Achievement Challenge.
 
NFL Play 60, MLB, PGA, and the National Park Service were among the partners offering activities that ranged from baseball and soccer to dancing and rock wall climbing. Of course, a popular activity for all kids was stargazing with Nick talent, such as Victoria Justice (“Victorious”), on hand to pump up the crowd. Parents did their share of celeb-watching too, with Carmelo Anthony, Lebron James, Michelle Kwan and other athletes on site to support the event. Even Viacom pres/CEO Philippe Dauman popped in to celebrate Nick’s largest ever Worldwide Day of Play.
 

NBA players LeBron James and Chris Paul play
tennis with Victoria Justice (center). Photo credit:
Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Nickelodeon

For the 8th year, Nickelodeon’s networks and Websites went dark from 12-3pm on Saturday after the First Lady and Nick’s “Big Time Rush” stars pulled the plug. “Nickelodeon is shutting off broadcasting for three hours and they’re going to let kids go out and not be a slave to the television machine and just get some activities and some exercise going,” said actor Matt Bennett from Nick’s “Victorious.”

 
 

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