Girls on the Run Central Florida partners with UnitedHealthcare

Photo: Participants take off at the start of the UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K. UnitedHealthcare’s financial support also includes helping fund more than 45 scholarships for girls with financial need so they can participate in the after-school life skills and 5K training program.

Girls on the Run Central Florida announced that UnitedHealthcare will serve as title 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 more than 1,400 third through eighth grade girls attending 100 elementary and middle schools in Orange, Oceola, Lake, Seminole and Brevard Counties. UnitedHealthcare’s support also includes helping fund more than 45 Girls on the Run after-school program scholarships for girls 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 Central Florida 5K, a celebratory race at UCF Memory Mall in Orlando, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018.

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 girls’ 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 Central Florida to support girls and schools with financial need to participate, as well as provide a fun, scenic and inspiring 5K race series,” said Karen Allen, executive director of Girls on the Run Central 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 grateful for the opportunity to support Girls on the Run Central Florida,” said Greg Reidy, CEO of UnitedHealthcare 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.