DENVER -- The Denver Broncos, NFL Network and Comcast teamed up to recognize Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College Middle School for receiving a $2,500 continuing support grant to fund innovations and improvements in the school's physical education program.

The middle school received the grant last fall, and has used it to purchase sporting equipment like footballs, soccer balls and basketballs along with equipment for tennis, volleyball and badminton.

On Thursday, during "Healthy Taco Night," three students were honored for their participation in the NFL Play 60 Challenge. Each student received a Broncos and NFL Network-themed prize pack.

"The Denver Broncos are proud to continue working with NFL Network and Comcast to advance the health and wellbeing of our community's children through Keep Gym in School," Broncos Vice President of Community Development Cindy Kellogg said. "The retention phase implemented this year at Martin Luther King Early College is vital to the overall impact of the program."

Thursday's event included an appearance by Miles the mascot and several Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, who cheered and signed autographs for students. In addition, videos featuring Broncos players were shown, stressing the importance of fitness in their lives.

"We are so grateful for the support that NFL Network, the Denver Broncos and the other partners of the Keep Gym in School Denver initiative have offered us," said MLK Jr. Early College's Communication Liaison Mindi Onwuegbu. "Athletics are a critical component to our student's education and our students are benefitting immensely from this partnership.  It is helping them to develop the good health habits that will let them be strong and active their entire lives."

NFL Network created "Keep Gym in School" to increase access to in-school P.E. programs and teach skills needed to establish and sustain healthy lifestyles.

Now entering its fourth year, the program has awarded more than $600,000 in physical education grants to middle schools across the nation.