Highmark Healthy High 5, an initiative of the Highmark Foundation, today announced it is the presenting sponsor of the American Eagle Tour of Pennsylvania, a nearly 500-mile professional cycling race from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh in June 2008.
Highmark Healthy High 5 —a five-year $100 million program designed to promote healthy lifestyles among children and adolescents — will partner with community leaders and volunteers to conduct a series of health expos at several cities and towns along the race route. Plans are under way with race organizers to identify race stop locations across Pennsylvania.
"The Tour of Pennsylvania winds through some wonderful parts of our state that are ready-made opportunities for children and families to engage in fun outdoor activities," said Highmark Foundation President Yvonne Cook. "Communities that will host the health expos will play a lead role in their creation, bringing to bear the healthy attributes of their own region that can be complemented by Highmark Healthy High 5."
The free expos will feature health-focused exhibits, entertainment, family activities, games and prizes. Any proceeds generated at the expos will benefit Pittsburgh Children's Hospital, Penn State Children's Hospital and Philadelphia Children's Hospital.
Highmark Healthy High 5 employs education, communications, grants and programming aimed at reversing current negative health trends in children's health. Physical activity and good nutrition are key tenets of the program that are linked to the Tour of Pennsylvania.
The American Eagle Tour of Pennsylvania, presented by Highmark Healthy High 5, is from June 24 through June 29, 2008. An announcement of the Highmark Healthy High 5 Health Expo host cities will be made when race details are finalized.