Today, 1,000 Nike running shoes will be delivered to elementary schools in Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead as part of the Shoes for Kids campaign.

On May 18, nearly 10,000 people turned out for the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota 5K Run/Walk, a Fargo Marathon event, to help provide 1,000 Nike shoes to deserving children. As part of the Shoes for Kids campaign, the Fargo Marathon donated $1 from each 5K registration, and BCBSND and Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) partnered together to provide matching funds to purchase shoes through Nike Corporation.

"Running shoes are the simplest equipment available to support physical activity," said Rory Beil, DMF's Director Cass Clay Healthy People Initiative. "Many of us take quality shoes for granted. For some, however, not having shoes stands in the way of an active lifestyle. Our hope is a new pair of shoes will provide the convenience and the encouragement to help each of these children become more physically active."

"Regular physical activity is so important for the body and mind," said BCBSND President and CEO Paul von Ebers. "Being physically active can help children to be better students."

"Delivering these shoes out to the schools is the culmination of a terrific group effort with our sponsors and partners. It is also one big step toward keeping our community focused on two great things: kids and healthy lifestyles," said Mark Knutson, Fargo Marathon director. "When we recall the Summer Olympics that recently took place, we should all remember that, at some point, those athletes were given a chance to excel. Who knows where the next American hero will come from!"

Representatives from the Fargo Marathon, BCBSND and DMF will meet at 11 a.m., today, August 20, at the Go Far Events offices to begin the process of loading the shoes into the Fargo Marathon trailer for delivery to area elementary schools. The Go Far Events offices are located at 405 West Main Avenue Suite #1-D in West Fargo.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
BCBSND is a member-owned, not-for-profit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. As North Dakota's largest provider of health care coverage, BCBSND is taking BOLD steps to collaborate with doctors, hospitals, clinics and members to ensure affordable access to quality health care in the state. To learn more about BCBSND, visit www.BCBSND.com.