Students from Healthy Futures schools throughout the Philadelphia region celebrate health and fitness at April 8 game
Philadelphia, PA – April 8, 2015
What:
The Independence Blue Cross Foundation (Foundation) and the Philadelphia 76ers hosted fourth through sixth graders in the Philadelphia region at a Sixers game versus the Washington Wizards on April 8. The opportunity is part of the Healthy Futures initiative, a three-year, $3 million comprehensive, collaborative approach to combating obesity and improving child wellness in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The students attend schools participating in the Healthy Futures program, including Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary, Drexel Neumann Academy, St. Francis of Assisi School, St. Joseph the Protector School, and St. Gabriel School.
Healthy Futures focuses on three components of healthy living — “Eat Right,” “Get Fit,” and “Stay Well” — each brought to life in area schools through partnerships with national and regional leaders with expertise in nutrition, fitness, and preventative health.
The Sixers are a “Get Fit” partner, providing a school-based basketball clinic to fourth through sixth graders in schools in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Get Fit teaches children the importance of physical activity and inspires them to make fitness a part of their daily lives at school and at home. By teaching children the benefits of exercise in a fun environment, the Foundation wants to inspire lasting change in families and communities. Get Fit activities include school fitness programs, community events, and visits from coaches and players.
Launched in 2013, Healthy Futures offers programming in more than 25 regional schools, including eight in Philadelphia County. Healthy Futures impacts nearly 1,000 fifth graders and their families and, often, their fellow students as well.
About the Independence Blue Cross Foundation:
The Independence Blue Cross Foundation is a charitable, private foundation, whose mission is leading solutions for a healthier community. The Foundation targets the following areas of impact:
- Securing the Blue Safety Net:Achieving sustainability of the regional safety net by building capacity in health centers.
- Bolstering the Health Care Workforce:Advancing the education and professional development of nurses and nurse leaders.
- Addressing Health Priorities:Addressing national health trends locally through community-driven research.
- Building Healthy Communities:Driving wellness by targeting specific and diverse community health needs.
Learn more by visiting our website: www.ibxfoundation.org. Connect with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation on Twitter and Instagram at @ibxfdn.
Media Contact
Ruth Stoolman
Independence Blue Cross
215-241-4807 (office)
610-667-9537 (cell)
ruth.stoolman@ibx.com
