CIGNA Employees to Participate in 'If you Can't Race, Lace' Campaign to
Raise Funds for the Saucony Run for Good(SM) Foundation
PHILADELPHIA, July 16, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Red shoelaces may
seem like an unusual fashion statement. But, the CIGNA Running Team's
bright red laces will make a statement about childhood obesity when the
team runs the 35th annual CIGNA Falmouth Road Race Aug. 12 in Falmouth,
Mass. The red laces are a signature element of the Saucony Run for Good(SM)
Foundation. Saucony, makers of athletic footwear and apparel, established
the Foundation to financially support non-profit organizations that offer
fitness and running programs for children.
"I am proud to wear the red shoelaces. Childhood obesity is a growing
concern and one that CIGNA is working hard to address because it has
serious, long-term effects on health and disability," said Karen S. Rohan,
president of CIGNA Group Insurance and CIGNA Dental. "By teaching children
healthy habits early, we can help them achieve good health now and maintain
that good health in the future. Saucony's Red Lace program is an innovative
way we can all help achieve this goal."
CIGNA employees can help support the cause even if they won't be
running in the road race through the company's "If You Can't Race, Lace"
campaign. In the weeks before the CIGNA Falmouth Road Race, CIGNA will
offer its employees a chance to buy the laces at work for $1 per pair.
Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Run for Good(SM) Foundation.
"We couldn't ask for a better or more relevant partner than CIGNA,"
said Richie Woodworth, president of Saucony and the Saucony Run for Good
Foundation Board of Directors. "By wearing red laces, CIGNA employees are
demonstrating their support of our mission and playing a vital role to help
end childhood obesity."
Seventeen percent of children ages two to 19 are overweight, according
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Furthermore,
eighty percent of children who were overweight at ages 10 to 15 years were
obese adults at age 25 years, the CDC says. As these children get older,
according to the CDC, they will be at risk for health problems including
diabetes, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal disorders, which can lead to
disability.
The annual CIGNA Falmouth Road Race, which began in 1972, is one of the
elite events in distance running and annually attracts many of the best
athletes in the world. This year's CIGNA Running Team will include CIGNA
employees, clients and members, as well as Saucony representatives, and
special Falmouth runners and individuals from the Achilles Track Club, an
organization that provides training and support to disabled runners
worldwide.
About CIGNA
As a Business of Caring, CIGNA (NYSE: CI) provides employers with
benefits, expertise and services that improve the health, well-being and
productivity of their employees. With approximately 47 million covered
lives in the United States and around the world, CIGNA's operating
subsidiaries offer a full portfolio of medical, dental, behavioral health,
pharmacy and vision care benefits and group life, accident and disability
insurance.
About Saucony, Inc.
Saucony, Inc., a subsidiary of The Stride Rite Corporation, is a
leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel with
its widely recognized brands Saucony, Saucony Originals and Spot-bilt. For
more information, go to http://www.saucony.com or http://www.sauconyrunforgood.com.
SOURCE CIGNA HealthCare
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.cigna.com
http://www.saucony.com http://www.sauconyrunforgood.com
CONTACT:
Judy Hartling for CIGNA HealthCare,
+1-860-226-6272, judy.hartling@cigna.com
|
