SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies center fielder Ian Desmond’s appearance at Salt River Elementary School on Thursday was mostly action, little talk. And that was the point.

Desmond spent the day with physical education classes, espousing the importance of play -- at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. The appearance was designed, however, not to require him to give a speech. Instead, he spent most of the time moving around, playing basketball, freeze tag, dodgeball, four square and pretty much everything that got him and the boys and girls moving.

It allowed him to be an example for every physical education class of the day.

“I feel blessed that they’re willing to have me out,” Desmond said. “To be able to come out here to Salt River Elementary and talk about healthy living is something that I’m excited to do, to give back to these guys and show my appreciation.”

The Rockies and D-backs partnered with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to build the stadium and training centers. So the Rockies and their players have been active in various events annually.

The invitation came from Bryan “Coach B” McClevy, a former school system superintendent who came out of retirement to teach physical education at the elementary school and coach high schoolers in baseball. The idea was “moderate to vigorous physical activity with students from kindergarten all the way to sixth grade.”

When Desmond and the students weren’t running around with smiles on their faces, Desmond talked to them -- briefly -- about staying active when they go home from school, and eating balanced, healthy meals.

But most of the time was spent playing.

“It never gets old, seeing kids smile, running around and playing games,” Desmond said.

Salt River has a large play area that’s outside but protected by a roof, and there are plenty of play areas for the various levels through high school. Desmond was happy that physical education is a priority to the school and its district.

“Being fit, being healthy is something that as a culture we can always do better at,” Desmond said. “So for them to put an emphasis on it, having me come in as a professional athlete and use my platform to push that is great.