MEDIA ADVISORY

Independence Blue Cross Foundation, Philadelphia 76ers bring “Healthy Futures” to area students

Philadelphia 76ers host basketball clinics at three elementary schools

Philadelphia, PA – May 21, 2015

What:	The Independence Blue Cross Foundation (Foundation) and Philadelphia 76ers will host basketball clinics at three area elementary schools as part of the Healthy Futures Initiative, a three-year, nearly $3 million comprehensive, collaborative approach to combating obesity and improving childhood wellness in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As part of Healthy Futures’ “Get Fit” focus, the Philadelphia 76ers will bring forward Robert Covington, members of the high-flying Sixers Phlight Squad and mascot Franklin to visit Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School, St. Francis of Assisi School and St. Joseph the Protector School for three mornings of fun, exercise and health education. The 76-minute special event will feature: various fitness activities for kids, personalized basketball skills training sessions healthy lifestyles tips, including the importance of eating a healthy breakfast and getting enough sleep. 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 August 2013, Healthy Futures now offers programming in 25 regional schools, directly impacting more than 1,000 students and their families.
When & Where	Thursday, May 21, 9:30 a.m. – 10:46 a.m. Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School 6501 Mill Creek Road Levittown, PA 19057 Tuesday, May 26, 9:30 a.m. – 10:46 a.m. St. Francis of Assisi School 601 Buttonwood Street Norristown, PA 19401 Thursday, May 28, 9:00 a.m. – 10:16 a.m. St. Joseph the Protector School 2336 Fairhill Ave. Glenside, PA 19038
Who:	Sixers forward Robert Covington Sixers Phlight Squad Sixers mascot Franklin 40-50 4th through 6th grade students Maureen Furletti, Independence Blue Cross Foundation

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 co-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