Introducing: Live Healthy, Play Global

Introducing: Live Healthy, Play Global

“We love The World Games 2021!”

This was the chant of more than 250 excited elementary school students this week, as The World Games 2021 and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Alabama unveiled the new “Live Healthy, Play Global” education program at Glen Iris Elementary School.

At the event, students listened to remarks from Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin; Dr. Lisa Herring, Superintendent of Birmingham City Schools; Koko Mackin, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Community Relations for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama; and DJ Mackovets, CEO of The World Games 2021. Students also enjoyed a video presentation about The World Games 2021 and an interactive stretching routine led by Tamika Harris of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. After the formal program, students were invited to try their hand at a variety of sports featured in The World Games 2021, including Korfball, Floorball, Handball, Flying Disk, DanceSport, Sumo and Sport Climbing.

Students also had a chance to sign a 40-foot banner promoting The World Games 2021 and the Live Healthy, Play Global program. The banner, which will be hung in the gymnasium of Glen Iris Elementary School, will go on to be hung at a sports venue during The World Games 2021 – allowing students who participate in the initiative to feel strong involvement in The Games.

“We’re thrilled to support our local schools by offering high-quality, exciting resources for students and educators,” said DJ Mackovets, CEO of The World Games 2021. “Our goal in bringing The World Games 2021 to Birmingham has always been to improve the community through the event. We are certain that this initiative helps accomplish that mission.

The Live Healthy, Play Global program, which was developed by a steering committee of educators and community partners, is being test-launched in Birmingham City Schools during the 2019-2020 academic year and will later be rolled out to include a wide range of schools across the state.

The program will provide students with the opportunity to play sports featured in The World Games 2021 through a partnership with the “Let’s Move” initiative. Initial sports will include Korfball, Floorball and Flying Disc. It will also provide classroom resources and activities that will connect The World Games 2021 with physical education, social studies and athletics, as well as provide professional development opportunities for educators.

“We are proud to sponsor The World Games 2021 Education Program,” said Koko Mackin, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Community Relations for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. “We are committed to helping programs that support health, wellness and education initiatives. This is an exceptional opportunity to partner with local schools to teach children life-long healthy habits at an early age.”

To learn more about the Live Healthy, Play Global program, click here.

 The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 15-25 July 2021. 3,600 athletes from over 30 sports and 100 countries will take part in the Games.

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