By: Maria Schmidtke

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan helped spread smiles to Special Olympics Michigan athletes as they announced their premier year-long sponsorship of the Healthy Athletes® Program initiative at the Special Olympics Michigan 2011 State Cycling Finals event in Chelsea, Mich. on Saturday, September 10.

More than 150 athletes gathered at Chrysler Group LLCs Chelsea Proving Grounds for the Special Olympics Michigan 2011 State Cycling Finals. Programs offered during Healthy Athletes® included Special Smiles® and Health Promotions.

Healthy Athletes® Program is designed to help Special Olympics Michigan athletes improve their health and fitness through clinical screenings and referral services. Healthy Athletes® Program also offers professional development training to health providers about treating patients with intellectual disabilities and education to coaches and parents of the athletes.

Director of Community Responsibility for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Bridget Hurd presented Lois Arnold, President and CEO of Special Olympics Michigan, with a check for $25,000 and received a standing ovation from the athletes.

"This is a great mission and aligns with what we (Blue Cross Blue Shield) are about. It focuses on health and wellness and prevention in particular. I love the energy and attitudes here, the athletes are great," Bridget said with a smile.

Thank you to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for your contributions and support of Special Olympics Michigan athletes!