Girls on the Run Southwest Florida partners with UnitedHealthcare

Photo: Participants line up for the start of the annual UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K. In addition to helping fund the December race, UnitedHealthcare's donation also provides scholarship support for girls with financial need to participate in the after-school life skills and training program.

Girls on the Run Greater Southwest Florida announced that UnitedHealthcare will serve as presenting partner for the fall 2018 Girls on the Run season and 5K celebration race.

The 10-week, after-school 5K and life-skills training program will benefit over 400 third- through eighth-grade girls attending more than 40 elementary and middle schools from Collier, Lee, Charlotte, DeSoto Counties. UnitedHealthcare’s support also includes helping fund more than 60 program scholarships for girls and schools based on financial need.

The Girls on the Run after-school training sessions teach life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and running games that build confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness. Each session culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete the UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K, a celebratory race scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 15 in Collier County.

Research findings on program benefits for young girls

Findings from an independent study show the Girls on the Run program has a significant impact on young women’s lives with 97 percent learning critical life skills and 85 percent showing improved confidence, competence, caring, character or connection. The girls who were the least active at the start of the program demonstrated a more than 40 percent increase in physical activity.

“Our partnership with UnitedHealthcare enables Girls on the Run Greater Southwest Florida to support girls and schools with financial need to participate as well as provide a fun, scenic and inspiring 5k race series,” said Christine McConnelee, executive director for Girls on the Run Southwest Florida. “The partnership is an ideal fit given UnitedHealthcare’s commitment to wellness and supporting community-based programs that educate youth and families about the benefits of healthy living and exercise.”

“UnitedHealthcare is honored for the opportunity to support Girls on the Run Southwest Florida,” said Nicholas Zaffiris, CEO of UnitedHealthcare South Florida. “This after-school program empowers and inspires girls to live healthier lives, which is a core value for our company and the communities we serve.”

In Florida, UnitedHealthcare serves more than 3.4 million people with a care provider network of 270 hospitals and more than 56,000 physicians statewide.