Fitness-Fueled Fundraising Event at FedExField on Saturday, October 22

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Diabetes Association® National Capital Area Chapter and proud supporter Washington Redskins invite families and fitness fans to FedExField for a one-of-a-kind festival to energize the community at Game On, Greater Washington. Walk, ride or run to boost your health and team up with some of your favorite former Redskins players to get active in the fight against diabetes. The adventure-filled day is designed to raise funds for diabetes education, programs, research and advocacy and will take place on Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at FedExField in Landover, MD.

Anchored by the Association's signature Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes® and Tour de Cure®, Game On, Greater Washington will have fundraising and team activities including a timed, 5k Run to Stop Diabetes, and for the first time ever, Over the Edge — an exclusive opportunity to rappel 120 feet down the side of FedExField open to fundraisers who reach a minimum goal of $1,000.

Entrance to the festival is free and includes access to the Kids' Zone, a Health and Wellness Expo, the Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes and live musical performances from The Reagan Years, Rare Essence, and The 8 Ohms. For $20, participants can zip line across the stadium or showcase their "ninja-like" skills on the Xtreme Obstacle Course. For $30, participants can purchase MVP Zone Wristbands to enjoy unlimited access to many other activities including a 32 foot rock climbing wall; a Radical Run course; the Extreme Airline; and games such as Big Baller, Hippo Chow Down and Hamster Ball Track.

Redskins fans will also get the chance to meet and have their photos taken field-side with former Washington Redskins players and Game On Team Captains Fred Smoot and Shawn Springs. "As an athlete in the spotlight, I have always supported charitable causes and when my father was diagnosed with diabetes, my charitable focus shifted towards causes associated with diabetes and finding a cure," said former Redskins player Shawn Springs. "The hurt of losing my father will never go away, however I honor him daily by continuing to raise awareness about diabetes and to help raise funds to find a cure."

Former Redskins player and fellow team captain Fred Smoot also has a personal connection to the battle against diabetes, saying, "The fight to cure diabetes is very important to me. I've watched it affect my grandmother and community and want to do everything in my power to raise awareness."

"Thousands of people in the greater Washington area are living with diabetes, and many more are at risk," said Kevin L. Hagan, CEO of the American Diabetes Association. "With Game On, Greater Washington our goal is to unite the Washington community together – from the young to the young at heart, and the novice athletic fans to the weekend fitness warriors – for an active, healthy experience where they can spend quality time with friends and family, while raising funds for diabetes education and research."

Game On, Greater Washington will be a day to recognize, highlight and empower the millions living with diabetes, while raising awareness about the condition and bringing the greater Washington community together like never before. On Saturday, October 22, come ready to walk, run, ride, climb, zip line or rappel with the American Diabetes Association and the Washington Redskins.

Registration: To register for Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes, 5K Run, Tour de Cure, Over The Edge, or any of the other Game On, Greater Washington activities, visit: diabetes.org/gameon.

About Diabetes
One in 11 people in the U.S. has diabetes, and there is a new diabetes diagnosis every 23 seconds. Diabetes is a disease in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not properly use insulin, a hormone that converts sugar and food into energy needed for life. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults; approximately 5 percent of people with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, affecting approximately 95 percent of people with diabetes, marked by higher than normal levels of sugar in the blood. Gestational diabetes starts when your body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy. People with diabetes are at a higher risk for kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, blindness and other eye problems, and lower-limb amputations.

About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes, and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit diabetes.org. Information from both of these sources is available in English and Spanish. Find us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Twitter (@AmDiabetesAssn) and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn)

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SOURCE American Diabetes Association

Related Links

http://www.diabetes.org