Cigna uses the Fitbit® device to track performance in real time and raise funds in the fight against cancer.
Fifty participants in the Jim Calhoun Cancer Challenge Ride and Walk on June 9, 2012 in Simsbury, Connecticut will be wearing Fitbit wireless devices to track the calories they burn. Every calorie burned earns $.50 toward cancer research, with the goal of raising $5,000 by burning 10,000 calories.
The Calhoun Race is a 10-, 25-, 50- and 75-mile ride and 5k walk to fund services and advances in treatment and technology at the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Connecticut Health Center and Coaches vs. Cancer. Cigna will use the gaming technology to create a fun, engaging competition by measuring progress and results in real-time.
The participants that take the Cigna gaming challenge can check their progress throughout the race on their individual devices. The device tracks the exact numbers of steps taken, distance traveled, floors climbed, and calories burned, and can inspire competitors to push themselves to higher performance.
Cigna’s David Cordani Leads Team of More Than 50
For the past six years, Cigna has sponsored the Calhoun Race to support cancer research and care and to promote health. Cigna and The Cigna Foundation gave $20,000 for this year’s event.
Cigna President and Chief Executive Officer David Cordani participates in the race every year, and this year leads a team of more than 50 Cigna cyclist and walkers.
“Whether it’s championship basketball or improving health, in setting goals and providing motivation, incentives work,” said Cordani.
Calhoun and Coaches vs. Cancer
Jim Calhoun is the legendary coach of the Huskies, the University of Connecticut (UConn) men’s basketball team. The Big East Conference named him Coach of the Year four times.
In 2003, Coach Calhoun developed cancer and underwent treatment.
Soon after surgery, Calhoun went back to leading his team. He continues to beat cancer and inspire others through his coaching and community outreach. He participates in Coaches vs. Cancer, a partnership of the American Cancer Society and National Association of Basketball Coaches. Through the program, basketball coaches and their teams fight cancer with events like the Calhoun Race.
The Calhoun Race benefits the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Connecticut Health Center and Coaches vs. Cancer.
Coaches vs. Cancer has raised nearly $40 million since 1993.
Learn more about the Calhoun Race
Read about the work of Coaches vs Cancer on the American Cancer Society website
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