Anthem Blue Cross and the California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Launch the Live Like a Champion Tour
Traveling statewide outreach program educates California children about the importance of staying active and eating healthy in a fun, interactive way.
WOODLAND HILLS, CA (September 22, 2009) /PRNewswire/ — Anthem Blue Cross, collaborating for a fourth year with the California Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, is launching a 16-week traveling statewide outreach campaign to get children moving and empower them to make healthy lifestyle choices now and in the future.
The Anthem Blue Cross Live Like a Champion Tour brings interactive games and challenging sports-themed activities to help children bring out their “inner champion.” The tour is traveling to schools, local community and special events, YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs and other after-school program locations throughout the state of California. Special effort is focused on reaching out to the state’s underserved communities.
According to the 2009 “F as in Fat” report by Trust for America’s Health, nearly one in three children in California 10-17 years of age are either overweight or obese. "Encouraging healthy eating and activity routines can help children stay healthy and focused. Research shows that active and well-nourished children have stronger bones and muscles, higher self-esteem, and improved performance at school," said Harvinder Sareen, PhD, Director of Clinical Programs, Anthem Blue Cross.
"As the state’s largest health coverage provider, Anthem Blue Cross recognizes its responsibility to respond to the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. We are committed to addressing the issue and empowering families and communities to adopt healthier lifestyles," said Leslie A. Margolin, President of Anthem Blue Cross.
A select group of Governor’s Council celebrity athletes lend its support to the Live Like a Champion Tour to help raise awareness and promote physical fitness for all Californians. They serve as role models and their favorite exercises, fruits and vegetables are shared on life-size posters throughout the event-site. “The Live Like a Champion Tour is a great way for me and my fellow Council members to encourage kids to get moving and eat right” said Jake Steinfeld, Chairman of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. “Few kids will ever have the opportunity to become world champions like Laila Ali, Jerry Rice and Misty May-Treanor, but through our Live Like a Champion Tour, kids across the state experience how fun it is to get active. They also get to learn how important it is to never quit on themselves or their dreams. Don't Quit!"
Event activities include:
- Olympic Style Opening Ceremony: Children pledge to put down the remote and get active.
- Laila Ali’s Champ Corner: Inspired by world champion athlete Laila Ali, children step into the ring for a round with a speed bag and learn about the importance of conditioning activities such as push-ups, sit-ups and jumping rope.
- Misty May-Treanor’s Dig, Set and Spike Like A Champion: Inspired by Olympic volleyball champion Misty May-Treanor, children step up to the net and learn how to dig, set and spike a volleyball as another way to be active and have fun.
- Jerry Rice’s Catch Like A Champion: Inspired by Super Bowl champion Jerry Rice, children make the winning catch in the end zone by diving onto an inflatable mat while hearing messages encouraging 30-60 minutes of physical activity a day.
- Lisa Leslie’s Hoop Like A Champion: Inspired by Olympic basketball champion Lisa Leslie, children shoot to score by attempting different basketball shots with various colored balls representing different healthy foods.
- Julie Foudy’s Kick Like A Champion: Inspired by World Cup champion Julie Foudy, children shoot multicolored soccer balls representing fruits and vegetables into a goal to learn the importance of a balanced diet.
- Closing Ceremony: Children engage in post-activity stretch exercises and join in an award ceremony, declaring all who participated champions.
