Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Indiana
Healthy Active Lifestyles Convocation
The Indianapolis Tennis Championships presented by Lilly and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Indiana, announced today top-ranked tennis player Robby Ginepri will visit schools in Indianapolis and Carmel on May 8, 2008, to promote the tournament's Healthy Active Lifestyles (HAL) initiative.
The HAL Outreach Program is partnering with Anthem, the largest health insurer in Indiana, to inspire people of all generations to live healthy active lifestyles through the sport of tennis.
"We are proud to partner with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to bring world-class tennis to Indianapolis-area youth and help them see how tennis can help them live a healthier life," stated Kevin Martin, tournament director. "Anthem is a perfect partner for this initiative, because they have a 60-year history in the community as a promoter of healthy lifestyles and a leader in the business community.”
Robby Ginepri will visit Forest Dale Elementary in Carmel, on May 8 between 8:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. He will visit IPS Meredith Nicholson School #96 that afternoon between 2:00 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Joining him will be representatives from Anthem, the tournament and the United States Tennis Association’s Midwest Section. The convocation will educate the students on the importance of making healthy choices in their lives and to help fight the growing problem of childhood obesity by encouraging them to begin regular exercise through tennis. Ginepri will demonstrate on a mini tennis net, as well as engage in a question and answer session with the children on his own exercise and health regimens.
American Robby Ginepri is currently ranked No. 89 on ATP rankings. He was the 2005 champion at the Indianapolis Tennis Championships presented by Lilly and a semi-finalist in 2006. Ginepri currently serves as an advisory board member of the Atlanta Youth Tennis Foundation, an organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the under- served children in the Atlanta area.
"Joining with the tournament, and our local schools, will help to further our mission to improve the health of the people we serve," stated Robert W. Hillman, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. "We are excited to introduce students in Indiana to the game of tennis and, more importantly, to the benefits of exercise, fitness and healthy eating habits. As a company, we are committed to improving the health of our community. That’s why we’re pleased to be a part of this event.” The Indianapolis Tennis Championships presented by Lilly is becoming an ally in Indiana’s movement to promote physical fitness and healthy choices by partnering with Anthem, the United State Tennis Association, and the Association of Tennis Professionals through a new statewide initiative that will focus on Healthy Active Lifestyles (HAL).
The goal of HAL is to inspire people of all generations to live healthy active lifestyles through the sport of tennis and through partnerships with multiple health organizations that can leverage existing programs that promote well-being. Indiana’s governor and the State Department of Health have placed a high importance on getting Indiana healthier and initiated goal-oriented programs to help fight the growing problem of childhood obesity and motivate people to begin regular exercise. More than 15 percent of the state’s youth are classified as obese and a recent survey indicated nearly 50 percent said they were trying to lose weight. More than 60 percent of youth surveyed said they exercised to lose weight.
