Priority Health Brings 2nd Annual Cycling Classic to Celebration on the Grand(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - June 12, 2008) With the success of its inaugural event, Priority Health will host the 2nd Annual Grand Cycling Classic in conjunction with Celebration on the Grand on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008. The pro-am cycling race, with a purse totaling $30,000, will feature some of the nation’s most elite athletes competing on a 1.2 kilometer circuit around downtown Grand Rapids. “This event created crowds of 6,000 spectators, hosted 200 pro-am cyclists and 250 kids and their families last year,” said Kimberly K. Horn, president and CEO of Priority Health. “It provides a perfect opportunity to reinforce our commitment to health and wellness while supporting our local businesses and adding to the success of Celebration on the Grand.” Described as the intensity of Tour de France meets the excitement of NASCAR , the Priority Health Classic begins at 10 a.m. and will feature races attracting some of the best professional and amateur cyclists from across the nation. Spectators will be able to view the course as cyclists loop around Ionia, Louis, Ottawa and Oakes streets at speeds reaching almost 40 miles per hour. Spectrum Health will serve as the presenting sponsor again this year and Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital will be the title sponsor of the free kid’s race. The free kid’s race is for those ages 9 and under, giving youngsters the opportunity to ride their bikes and tricycles on the historic streets of downtown. “We are proud to support Priority Health in bringing this event to Grand Rapids,” said Richard C. Breon, president and CEO, Spectrum Health. “It is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate to our community the value of leading a healthy, active lifestyle.” “This family-friendly event will be a great addition to Celebration on the Grand,” said Joe Pettalia, chair of Celebration on the Grand. “Spectators will be able to come downtown for an afternoon of races and then stay in the area for an evening of music and other fun activities.” Volunteers and cyclists are encouraged to sign up for the Priority Health Grand Cycling Classic by visiting www.priorityhealthclassic.com. About Priority Health Priority Health is a nationally recognized health plan company based in Michigan. It serves a half million members with a broad portfolio of products including commercial and government health plans. A nonprofit dedicated to providing all people access to affordable health care, Priority Health is Michigan’s top-rated health plan and ranks eleventh in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report and the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Priority Health employs 1,000 people throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula with offices in Grand Rapids, Farmington Hills, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Saginaw and Traverse City. For more information about Priority Health, visit priorityhealth.com. About Celebration on the Grand Celebration on the Grand is a community celebration that includes live music and entertainment, concessions and an incredible fireworks display. Now in its 28th year, Celebration on the Grand is wholly funded by corporate sponsorships and philanthropic gifts. All of the planning and organization of the event is managed by hundreds of volunteers. Celebration on the Grand is always the Thursday, Friday and Saturday after Labor Day (Sept. 4, 5 and 6, 2008). For more information, or to check out the schedule for 2008, visit www.celebrationonthegrand.org. ###
|
