Humana Honors 13 National Senior Games Athletes Who'll Defy Age and Test Their Skills as Humana Game Changers

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LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Of the 10,000 athletes set to compete in the largest multi-sport event in the world for adults age 50 and older, Humana HUM will honor 13 as Humana Game Changers, recognizing their spirit of determination and commitment to lifelong well-being. Hailing from across the country, these individuals will compete in various sports, including triathlon, basketball, tennis, track & field and volleyball, from July 3-16 in Bloomington/Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Minn., at the 2015 National Senior Games presented by Humana.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150623005944/en/

Humana Game Changer John Levy (Photo: Business Wire)

Humana Game Changer and triathlete Pat Lillehei, 71, of Minneapolis, shows a positive attitude can go a long way in encouraging a person to start competing. The recently retired financial adviser was bit by the competition bug in 2008 after participating in a cycling fundraiser. She competed in her first triathlon that year and eventually set the goal of participating in the National Senior Games.

"I love competing with others because everybody has a similar interest," said Lillehei, who will also be competing in swimming. "Although everybody at the National Senior Games aims to get the gold, I feel like we are all encouraging each other. There's a kindred spirit there that makes it easy and fun."

The 2015 Humana Game Changers are:

  • John Bates, 70, Townsend, Tenn.; tennis and triathlon
  • Tom Burkhart, 70, Baton Rouge, La.; pickleball
  • Harry Carothers, 70, Pinellas Park, Fla.; basketball
  • Esperanza "Hope" Casias, 72, San Antonio; volleyball
  • Edwina Dennis, 81, Chicago; basketball
  • David Fujii, 54, Boise, Idaho; triple jump, long jump, shot put and discus throw
  • Patricia Fujii, 83, Meridian, Idaho; long jump, triple jump, 50-meter, 100-meter and 200-meter dashes
  • Donna Gonzales, 72, Terry, Miss.; race walking
  • John Levy, 72, Maplewood, Minn.; javelin throw
  • Pat Lillehei, 71, Minneapolis; triathlon and swimming
  • Oscar Peyton, 61, Accokeek, Md.; 100-meter and 200-meter dashes
  • Lorraine Rizzuto, 79, River Ridge, La.; basketball
  • Hao-Ming Siu, 60, Louisville; 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter and 800-meter dashes

Stories, photos and more information can be found at humana.com/gamechangers.

"It takes a few small steps to start the journey to a healthier life, but these athletes are doing it in laps, jumps, throws and volleys," said Bruce Broussard, Humana's President and CEO. "As presenting sponsor of the National Senior Games, we're proud to salute the athletes and celebrate this generation for the active lifestyles they maintain."

Humana has also created a unique video, titled "Mall Walkers Surprise," to break stereotypes of seniors, inspire current and future athletes of all ages and drive excitement ahead of the National Senior Games. The video, which takes place in the Mall of America, highlights the impressive talents of nine athletes who will compete in July, shows that anybody can start competing regardless of age or ability and encourages people to get active. The video can be seen at http://youtu.be/-FJnOQLq_EI.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommend adults 65 and older get at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intense aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, per week and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week. According to the CDC, regular physical activity can prevent many of the health problems that can come with age and promote independence. While these benefits increase with more physical activity, even some activity makes a difference. Additional information can be found at www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/olderadults.html.

Humana Events App

Humana has developed the "National Senior Games" app, the official app for the 2015 National Senior Games, which is available for athletes, family members and attendees to download for free at the Google Play or Apple Store. The National Senior Games app will highlight the Humana Game Changers and feature event schedules, competition results, maps, a social media feed and more.

Humana Offerings at the National Senior Games Athlete Village

National Senior Game athletes, family members and other attendees can visit the Humana kiosks at the Health and Wellness Expo in The Village at the Minneapolis Convention Center, July 3-15 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (closes at 5 p.m. on July 4 and July 10), to participate in a mix of healthy and engaging activities.

Everyone is encouraged to share stories about their wellness journeys at the Real People, Real Stories Video Booth; the stories will be made into short videos that will be sent to the participants and can be shared on social media. Attendees will also be encouraged to download – for free from the iTunes or Google Play Store – the philanthropic exercise app Charity Miles. Through Humana's sponsorship, Charity Miles will donate 25 cents for each mile biked, walked or run during the Games to the national charity of the user's choice. Additional offerings at the Athlete Village include biometric screenings, a Humana Healthy Quiz and a sign-making station.

Athletes and spectators watching tennis, swimming and racquetball can visit the Humana Recovery Zone outside the Baseline Tennis Center at the University of Minnesota from July 5-14. The Humana Recovery Zone aims to help athletes with their cool-down routines and recovery through stretching and massages. The free area will include rollers, yoga mats, biometric screenings and healthy snacks.

About Humana

Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a leading health and well-being company focused on making it easy for people to achieve their best health with clinical excellence through coordinated care. The company's strategy integrates care delivery, the member experience, and clinical and consumer insights to encourage engagement, behavior change, proactive clinical outreach and wellness for the millions of people we serve across the country.

More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company's web site at www.humana.com, including copies of:

  • Annual reports to stockholders;
  • Securities and Exchange Commission filings;
  • Most recent investor conference presentations;
  • Quarterly earnings news releases;
  • Replays of most recent earnings release conference calls;
  • Calendar of events (including upcoming earnings conference call dates and times, as well as planned interaction with research analysts and institutional investors); and
  • Corporate Governance information.

Humana Corporate Communications
Marvin Hill, 502-580-3950
mhill1@humana.com

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