Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Empire) proudly announced today that it will be a sponsor for the 2011 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG), which will be held in New York City from August 26 - September 5, 2011. The announcement comes during a series of health and wellness activities around Empire's 75(th) Anniversary this year.
"The World Police & Fire Games were created to celebrate the men and women around the world who are there for us when we need them most," said Jim Carney, president, 2011 World Police & Fire Games. "Having such a respected name in the health insurance industry and that has also been a great supporter of New York and New York City community organizations will be a strong addition to our games."
The Games will bring more than 18,000 firefighters and police officers representing 70 countries to compete in 65 sporting events. The Games expect more than one million visitors over the course of the 11 days of events. There are more than 300,000 firefighters and more that one million police officers in the United States.
"We didn't hesitate when asked to be an early supporter of the World Police & Fire Games - many of New York's finest and bravest are among our nearly six million members. It is important to step in now to help promote this celebration of continued strength and bravery, particularly in honor of the many lost and injured in 9/11, which Empire sadly shares with our first responders," said Mark Wagar, President and CEO, Empire BlueCross BlueShield. "I can't think of a better way to celebrate Empire's 75(th) Anniversary in New York than by announcing this relationship."
The World Police & Fire Games is a large-scale sporting competition to promote physical fitness and sport within the worldwide police and fire community. Recognizing the positive benefits of healthy competition, the Games have been held since 1985 every two years in a different city around the world. The World Police & Fire Games are the second largest multi-sport event in the world, surpassed only by the summer Olympics.
The Games will coincide with the ten year anniversary of September 11(th), and two special ceremonies have been planned to commemorate the occasion, including a candlelight vigil to acknowledge and remember all those lost on September 11(th) and a thank you ceremony for New Yorkers to express gratitude for the international support that flooded New York City after that tragic day. More information about the games and how to participate can be found www.2011wpfg.org.