Empire BlueCross BlueShield and Bob Harper From 'The Biggest Loser' Honor Wounded Warriors

NEW YORK, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Empire BlueCross BlueShield, along with Bob Harper of NBC's The Biggest Loser, will recognize Disabled Sports USA and the Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project at a special ceremony at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, August 3, at 6:45pm.

"Disabled Sports USA has been an important part of my life. While in the National Naval Hospital in Bethesda, just days after being injured in 2005, I was visited by the director of the organization, who promised he would take me skiing as soon as I was released," said John Jones, a disabled vet.  "I thought the man was crazy. He assured me that life would go on—and it did.  Almost a year later -- after two leg amputations and forty surgeries -- I was on the slopes in Colorado ripping down a mountain. If it were not for Disabled Sports USA, I wouldn't be where I am today. I credit them for giving me my life back!"

For the past year, Empire has partnered with Bob Harper, life coach and fitness trainer, to offer its members tools and information to help them get healthy, stay healthy, and more importantly, have a healthy impact on friends, family and even the health care system itself.  A supporter of the Wounded Warrior's Disabled Sport Project, Empire and Mr. Harper are extending their message to these veterans with disabilities in recognition of the commitment they have made to improving their physical condition through exercise and physical activity,

"Of the 50 million or more Americans with disabilities, we know that less than 25 percent of them exercise regularly," said Mark Wagar, President and CEO, Empire BlueCross BlueShield. "At the same time, research shows that physical activity and participation in sports can improve one's overall quality of life – not only physically, but emotionally, socially and intellectually.  When these vets – many with life-changing physical impairments – work hard to improve their physical condition, they improve their prospects for long-term health."  

The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project is a partnership between Disabled Sports USA and the Wounded Warrior Project. The project provides year round adaptive sports programs for severely wounded service members from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict.

Founded in 1967 by disabled Vietnam veterans, Disabled Sports USA provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to rebuild their lives through sports, recreation and educational programs. Over the years, their work has shown that early intervention with active sports results in successful rehabilitation, leading to employment. The "Wounded Warriors" and their family members are provided these opportunities free of charge, including transportation, lodging, adaptive equipment and individualized instruction in over a dozen different winter and summer sports.

Empire BlueCross BlueShield

Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Empire) is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc., independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving residents and businesses in the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of New York State.  Additional information about Empire is available at www.empireblue.com.

Bob Harper

Now entering his 10th season as one of the fitness trainers on NBC's worldwide hit "The Biggest Loser," Harper has become one of the most credible and sought-after motivational experts on television and DVD, in books and in personal appearances.  In addition to his leadership on "The Biggest Loser," Harper is a regular on "The Dr. Oz Show" as a member of Core Team Oz, and his book "Are You Ready!" was published in 2008. He has made appearances on such shows as "Oprah", "Larry King Live," "CNN Live," and "Ellen".   Harper adopts an "inside-out" philosophy in which he is able to achieve great personal results for those that he trains.  Through his "Inside Out Method" DVD series, MyTrainerBob.com, and his frequent speaking engagements, Bob motivates people to realize their potential and their sense of self-worth and then helps them to develop habits and behaviors which enrich and uplift them physically, emotionally and spiritually.   Learn more about Bob Harper at http://www.mytrainerbob.com

About Disabled Sports USA

Founded in 1967 by disabled Vietnam veterans, Disabled Sports USA provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to rebuild their lives through sports, recreation and educational programs. DS/USA is a national multi-sport, multi disability organization serving more than 60,000 youth and adults annually. A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, DSUSA offers programs through its nationwide network of more than 100 community-based chapters operating in 38 states.  DSUSA is a member of the Combined Federal Campaign. CFC Number: 10151.  Visit www.dsusa.org.

About Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project

The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project is a partnership between Disabled Sports USA, its chapters and the Wounded Warrior Project, providing year round sports programs for severely wounded service members from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflict and the Global War on Terrorism. Over forty years of experience has shown early intervention with active sports results in successful rehabilitation, leading to employment. The "Wounded Warriors" and their family members are provided these opportunities free of charge, including transportation, lodging, adaptive equipment and individualized instruction in over a dozen different winter and summer sports. Programs take place at sites throughout the United States of America offering Wounded Warriors the opportunity to integrate as participants and mentors in their home communities.  Visit www.dsusa.org/woundedwarrior.html.    

SOURCE Empire BlueCross BlueShield