PRESS RELEASE
Independence Blue Cross Foundation, Philadelphia Freedoms Bring ‘Healthy Futures’ to South Philadelphia Students
Philadelphia Freedoms’ Lisa Raymond hosts tennis clinic at St. Gabriel School on February 6Philadelphia, PA – February 6, 2015
What:
The Independence Blue Cross Foundation (Foundation) brings Philadelphia Freedoms to South Philadelphia’s St. Gabriel School. Philadelphia Freedoms is part of the Foundation’s “Get Fit” focus of its Healthy Futures initiative.
Former number one player in the world and 11-time Grand Slam Champion Lisa Raymond, who played with the Philadelphia Freedoms for nine years, will host a tennis clinic for fourth grade students at St. Gabriel, an Independence Mission School in Grays Ferry. Philadelphia Freedoms will provide the students with their own tennis racquet to use during and after the clinic.
The clinic, in partnership with USTA Middle States, will teach students the basics of tennis using soft foam balls and a portable tennis net. Raymond will also talk to the kids about her experience as a female athlete and the importance of leading healthy lifestyles beyond exercise, including the importance of eating a healthy breakfast and getting enough sleep.
When:
Friday, February 6, 10 a.m.
Where:
St. Gabriel School
2917 Dickinson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Who:
Lisa Raymond, Philadelphia Freedoms
St. Gabriel School fourth grade students
Maureen Furletti, Independence Blue Cross Foundation
Key visuals:
Lisa Raymond playing tennis with St. Gabriel School students
Lisa Raymond talking to students about the importance of a healthy lifestyle
St. Gabriel School students taking tennis lessons
The Foundation’s Healthy Futures initiative is a three-year, $3 million comprehensive, collaborative approach to combating obesity and improving child wellness in southeastern Pennsylvania. 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 care.
Launched in 2013, Healthy Futures offers programming in more than 20 regional schools, including eight in Philadelphia County. Healthy Futures affects nearly 1,000 fifth graders and their families and, often, their fellow students as well.
Philadelphia Freedoms is the official Mylan World Team Tennis (WTT) team of Philadelphia. Cofounded by Billie Jean King, WTT is America's only professional co-ed team sport. WTT takes center stage in professional tennis, offering fans the opportunity to watch world-class men and women professionals on the same team playing singles, doubles, and mixed doubles in an exciting and unique format.
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: Supporting private, nonprofit community health center clinics that provide access to quality, affordable healthcare in medically underserved areas.
- Bolstering the Health Care Workforce: Strengthening the nursing, primary care, and allied health workforce through education, career development, and research.
- Addressing Health Priorities: Collaborating with wellness partners to tackle the region’s most pressing health challenges; currently combating the obesity epidemic through the IBC Foundation Healthy Futures Initiative.
- Building healthy communities: Partnering with community leaders and programs to address community health and wellness needs.
Learn more by visiting our website: www.ibxfoundation.org. Connect with the Independence Blue Cross Foundation on Twitter at @ibxfdn.
Media contacts
Ruth Stoolman
Independence Blue Cross
215-241-4807 (office)
215-280-3335 (cell)
ruth.stoolman@ibx.com