Chiefs Announce Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City as Sports Lab Presenting Sponsor

August 24, 2011

The Kansas City Chiefs announced today that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) has partnered with the organization as the presenting sponsor of the Chiefs Sports Lab at Arrowhead Stadium in an effort to help combat childhood obesity in Kansas City and throughout the Chiefs Kingdom.

As part of the multi-year partnership, the Sports Lab will be branded as the Chiefs Sports Lab powered by Blue KC. The partnership is highlighted by a three-step program to identify at-risk children, provide them with an educational visit to the Chiefs Sports Lab powered by Blue KC, and supply them with a seven-day membership to an area YMCA to help promote healthy living and tackle childhood obesity.

The partnership is part of a broader initiative by both the Chiefs and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City to create healthier communities for children and families in the region. Since its inception, the Chiefs Sports Lab has promoted the National Football League's Play 60 initiative to make this generation of children the most healthy and active group possible nationwide. By combining efforts, the Chiefs and Blue KC hope to make a significant impact in the Midwest.

"It's our honor to partner with the iconic Kansas City Chiefs, especially as it relates to such an important issue in our community today. One in three children is overweight or obese and this places them at a greater risk of developing life-threatening diseases over their lifetime," stated David Gentile, President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City. "The Chiefs have created an incredible experience with the Sports Lab, and we look forward to working with them, along with the YMCA and other partners, to create a meaningful difference for our community's children."

"Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City shares our commitment to the Kansas City community, and we are excited to welcome them as the presenting sponsor of the Chiefs Sports Lab," Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. "The Chiefs Sports Lab was designed to teach children about the importance of sound nutrition and physical fitness and to give them the tools to build a foundation for a healthy lifestyle. We are honored to partner with Blue KC to expand the impact of the Sports Lab to our youngest fans and their families."

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is the largest health insurance provider in the Kansas City area, offering health empowerment and trusted support to nearly one million members. For more than 70 years, its members have relied on its healthcare benefits and personalized wellness services to help them achieve lifelong health and wellness. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City's mission is to use its role as the area's leading health insurer to provide affordable access to healthcare and to improve the health of its members. Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City can be found at www.BlueKC.com.

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