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Anthem Life Encourages Disabled and Wounded Service Men and Women to Lead Active Lives
[April 01, 2014]

Anthem Life Encourages Disabled and Wounded Service Men and Women to Lead Active Lives


RENO, Nev. --(Business Wire)--

For the fifth year in a row, Anthem Life Insurance Company is proud to support Disabled Sports USA's Warfighter Sports program to help severely injured service men and women rebuild their lives through sports with a ski event in the Tahoe ski area in Olympic Valley, California, from April 1 through April 5. Approximately 30 wounded warriors and their families are expected to participate in adaptive alpine skiing and snowboarding, as well as cross-country skiing, sled hockey and snowmobiling as part of Disabled Sports USA's local Far West chapter.

Warfighter Sports offers sports rehabilitation for severely wounded warriors in major military hospitals and communities across the U.S. through a nationwide network of more than 100 community-based chapters. Since 1967, Disabled Sports USA has proudly served wounded warriors, including those injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, offering more than 30 winter and summer sports at more than 100 events each year.

"Many things in a person's life can change when they become disabled; however, having a disability shouldn't prohibit anyone from enjoying a full and active life that includes sports and other activities," said Jeff Spahr, president of Anthem Life and vice president of Anthem's Specialty businesses. "We are very committed to helping people with disabilities get back to health, back to work and back to life. Sponsoring events such as this ski event helps us reinforce our philosophy with individuals and families who have given so much to this country"



When someone is initially faced with the reality of a disability, they can lose confidence in themselves, become depressed and start to believe their fun and active days are a thing of the past. They also often alienate themselves from family and friends due to the belief that there are limited positive events and activities to experience in the future. However, sports and recreational activities offer those with disabilities the opportunity to achieve success in a very short time period; to use this success to build self-confidence and focus on the possibilities instead of dwelling on what can no longer be done.

"Having Anthem Life continue to sponsor this event benefits everyone involved," said Kirk Bauer, executive director, Disabled Sports USA and a disabled Vietnam veteran. "We know the positive impact sports and recreational activities have on successfully rehabilitating individuals with disabilities. And, having the ability to participate in a sport, such as skiing, cycling, and sailing, to name a few, provides wounded warriors the opportunity to rebuild their self-esteem and self-confidence, and reunite with family and friends in healthy shared activities."


About Anthem Life

Life and Disability products underwritten by Anthem Life Insurance Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About Warfighter Sports

Warfighter Sports, a program of Disabled Sports USA, offers sports rehabilitation for severely wounded warriors in military hospitals and communities across the U.S. through a nationwide network of over 100 community-based chapters. Since 1967, Disabled Sports USA has proudly served wounded warriors, including those injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, offering over 30 winter and summer sports at more than 100 events each year. Warfighter Sports rebuilds lives through sports by improving self-confidence, promoting independence and uniting families through shared healthy activities.

Contributions cover all expenses for participation of the warrior and a family member, including individualized adaptive instruction, adaptive sports equipment, transportation, lodging and meals. Since 2003, more than 8,000 of the most severely wounded and their families have been served, including those with amputations, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, visual impairments, and significant nerve and muscle damage. For more information, visit www.warfightersports.org.


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