<0> Offers free training clinic, open to the community, as part of sponsorship </0>
<0> Priority Health Joins MSU Gran Fondo as Title Sponsor </0>
<0> Priority HealthAmy Miller, (616) 464-8571 </0>
Priority Health is a proud sponsor of the Michigan State University Gran Fondo cycling event set for June 29, 2013. This long-distance, mass-participation event — Gran Fondo means “big ride” in Italian — is open to riders of all abilities. Competitive amateur cyclists and recreational cyclists choose one of three distance options, selecting the 12, 40 or 80 mile route. Proceeds will benefit skin cancer research at MSU.
“As a company focused on improving the health of our community and the people we serve, we fully support brining an activity-related, family-friendly event to downtown Grand Rapids,” said Michael P. Freed, president and CEO of Priority Health. “Add to that, the opportunity to raise funds for skin cancer research and this event is a win-win. The Gran Fondo provides a unique opportunity for the community to enjoy all of the great sights and resources West Michigan has to offer while promoting a very important message about preventive efforts everyone can, and should, be doing to preserve their health – whether it’s physical fitness, diet or skin protection.”
Priority Health joins other notable event sponsors including Huntington Bank, Advantage Benefits Group, BISSELL Homecare, Inc., The Gilmore Collection, Herman Miller, MSU Club of West Michigan, MVP Sports Clubs, Rhoades McKee, Saint Mary’s Health Care, and the West Michigan Sports Commission.
Beyond sponsorship, Grand Rapids-based Priority Health is upping the ante, fielding internal executive-led cycling teams and promoting healthy competition among its employees. The company is also making a commitment to help inspire more individuals to participate in this event by hosting a free ride clinic for beginners on May 7.
Priority Health will help riders of all levels prepare for the Gran Fondo by hosting a free clinic May 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Priority Health Conference Center, 3111 Leonard St. NE. At the clinic, seasoned Team Priority Health athletes—semi-professional runners, triathletes, skiers and cyclists sponsored by Priority Health—will offer tips on gear, routes and pre-ride conditioning. The clinic is free but participants must register at .
“We’re thrilled that Priority Health has stepped up to host the free training clinic as a way to entice new and casual riders interested in participating but not sure what to expect from a Gran Fondo,” said Kate Follett, lead staff for the MSU College of Human Medicine Gran Fondo. “Offering multiple distance options makes this a great event regardless of skill level and aligns perfectly with Priority Health’s mission, highlighting the importance of healthy living at every age. Add in the compelling cause of supporting skin cancer research at MSU and it becomes clear that this is much more than a ride.”
For information and registration go to . Help spread the word for this important event by liking and sharing “MSU Gran Fondo” on Facebook.
Priority Health is an award-winning, Michigan-based health plan nationally recognized for creating innovative solutions that impact health care costs while maximizing customer experience. It offers a broad portfolio of products for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. As a nonprofit company, Priority Health serves more than 600,000 people and continues to be rated among the best health plans in the nation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.