A Healthy Partnership: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire Announces Support for the 2010 Kid's Marathon in Manchester
MANCHESTER, N.H., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Students across Manchester will be able to "compete" in a full marathon this fall, thanks to an innovative partnership announced today by the Manchester City Marathon Association, the Manchester School Department, and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire.
The Anthem Kid's Marathon, which takes place on Thursday, November 4th, will be a culmination of two months of fitness activities aimed at Manchester school children. Starting with their first day of school, children have been logging their exercise activities throughout the fall with the goal of accumulating 25.2 miles of activity by November 4th – the date of the Kid's Marathon. The children would then complete their "marathon" by running the final mile that day at Merchantauto.com stadium.
"The Kid's marathon is designed to support active and healthy life styles for children in a fun way," said Sarah Normand, race director, Manchester City Marathon. "This will be the 4th year we've offered the event, but thanks to Anthem's kind support, along with the Manchester School Department, all elementary school students in grades 2-6 the city are invited to participate."
The Kid's Marathon is part of the city's annual "Marathon weekend", a four day celebration of health and wellness which features a community health fair, health screenings, an educational forum, and the Manchester City Marathon and Half Marathon. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire is the event's major sponsor.
"We are constantly seeking out opportunities to partner on key health and wellness activities in the communities we serve," said Douglas J. Wenners, president and general manager of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire. "Our support for the Kid's marathon is an extension of that ongoing effort."
Three years ago, Anthem launched its State Health Index, a program that incorporates public health data to identify and help address major health issues in New Hampshire. As part of the initiative, Anthem assembled a dedicated team to collaborate with local and state officials, as well as community organizations, to research the reasons behind the prevalent health deficiencies and to design policy solutions and implement or enhance programs aimed at helping to improve overall health in the state. "High up on the project list is child and adult fitness, so Kid's Marathon is in alignment with that work," noted Mr. Wenners.
Ms. Normand added that materials about the Kid's Marathon were distributed to students the first week of school.
"We strongly feel that regular physical activity and a healthy life style are key components of good students," said Thomas J. Brennan Jr, EdD, superintendent, Manchester School District. "We are excited to have our young people taking part in this program and very much appreciate the support of the Manchester Marathon Association and Anthem for this great event."
This year's Manchester City marathon takes place takes place on Sunday, November 7. For details, please visit www.manchestercitymarathon.com.
About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire is available at www.anthem.com.
SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in New Hampshire
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