MEDIA ADVISORY
Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Philadelphia 76ers Host Healthy Futures Students at Sixers Game
Students from Healthy Futures schools throughout the Philadelphia region celebrate health and fitness at April 8 gamePhiladelphia, 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. |
When: |
Wednesday, April 8, 6 p.m. |
Where: |
Wells Fargo Center |
Who: |
Philadelphia 76ers |
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.
About Sixers Strong
Sixers Strong is the charitable arm of the Philadelphia 76ers, which focuses community efforts exclusively on improving the life trajectory of children in the Delaware Valley. Designed to build children up to have a brighter future, Sixers Strong will drive funds and resources back into the community year-round, striving to create a better world for the next generation. “Strong Kids. Strong Community.”
About the Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers are one of the most storied franchises in the National Basketball Association, having won three World Championships, earning nine trips to The Finals and making 47 playoff appearances over 66 seasons. The team is owned by an investor group led by Managing Owner Josh Harris and co-Managing Owner David Blitzer.
Media contact
Ruth Stoolman
Independence Blue Cross
215-241-4807 (office)
215-280-3335 (cell)
ruth.stoolman@ibx.com