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Youth Fitness: The ING Run for Something Better
Former soccer star Brandi Chastain and former gymnastics sensation KerriStrug have partnered with ING to run this year's marathon. In doing so, theywill be serving as ambassadors for the ING Run for Something Better, anational campaign that promotes youth fitness and provides funding for freecommunity and school-based running programs across the country.
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As title sponsor to a number of premier running events in the U.S., ING,in conjunction with New York Road Runners, developed the ING Run for SomethingBetter in 2003 as a way to introduce kids to the benefits of exercise, fitnessand healthy lifestyle choices.
Since then, over 30,000 children have participated in ING Run forSomething Better-funded programs in cities where ING sponsors races. Youngpeople in these programs have reached a milestone of running more than onemillion miles.
Currently, the ING Run for Something Better has provided more than$1,500,000 to organizations that support running and fitness initiatives --and has committed over $2,000,000 through 2010. In New York City, fundinggoes to successful programs organized by the New York Road Runners Foundationand the City Parks Foundation.
"Brandi and Kerri are two fantastic athletes who have 'gone for the gold'in their lives. We're thrilled that they will now 'go for the orange' in thisyear's ING New York City Marathon," said Ann Glover, chief marketing officerfor ING in the Americas. "Both women set incredibly high goals for themselvesand worked hard to achieve them. This is exactly what the ING Run forSomething Better program is all about. ING is excited to have their supportas we spread our positive message about youth running and fitness."
During the marathon, Chastain and Strug -- both gold medal Olympicchampions -- will wear a pair of ING's orange shoelaces. These laces aregiven to anyone who makes a charitable donation of $10 or more to the ING Runfor Something Better cause. The two athletes will also raise money for theprogram through fundraising websites where fans can go to contribute. Thesewebsites can be accessed at: www.orangelaces.com/nyc .
"As an elite soccer player, I learned the value of physical fitness earlyon in life," said Chastain. "By supporting the ING Run for Something Better, Ihope to encourage thousands of children to embrace physical activity andcreate their own personal fitness goals."
"Competing as a world-class gymnast demanded a healthy lifestyle andunderstanding the importance of exercise and proper nutrition," noted Strug."I'm excited to be partnering with the ING Run for Something Better so thatother kids can learn these same values."
Financial Preparedness: ING Retirement Run Series
Preparing Americans for retirement and their financial futures is acornerstone of ING's business. This year, in conjunction with its sponsorshipof the marathon, ING also collaborated with race partner New York Road Runnersto create the ING Retirement Run Series.
This series served as an enhancement for registered marathon runners whowere 45 years or older. It was made available to 300 runners on a first come,first serve basis, who were invited to sign-up for complimentary entry intotwo ING New York City Marathon Long Training Runs in Central Park (Aug 2 andSept 13), the 18-mile ING New York City Marathon Tune Up Race (Sept 28), and aVIP brunch after the Tune Up race at Tavern on the Green.
The brunch featured keynote presentations from ESPN commentator KennyMayne, running pioneer Kathrine Switzer and CEO & President of New York RoadRunners Mary Wittenberg. Mayne and Switzer provided insights into their owndynamic careers and the importance of financial planning, while Wittenbergoffered runners some last minute tips for the race. ING financial advisorswere also on site to help attendees learn more about retirement planning,including knowing their "Retirement Number," the subject of ING's latestintegrated marketing campaign. For information on the campaign and how tocalculate your own retirement number, visit www.ingyournumber.com .
About ING
ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking,investments, life insurance and retirement services to over 85 millionresidential, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries.With a diverse workforce of about 130,000 people, ING comprises a broadspectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients underthe ING brand.
In the U.S., the ING (NYSE: ING) family of companies offer a comprehensivearray of financial services to retail and institutional clients, whichincludes life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts,alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management,annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING holdstop-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves over 14 million customersacross the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com .
SOURCE ING
