WASHINGTON, Feb. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2012, more
than one in three kids in the U.S. was overweight or obese, a rate
that has more than doubled for children and quadrupled for
adolescents in the past 30 years.* Today Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) joined forces with the Partnership
for a Healthier America (PHA) to advance the fight against this
epidemic. At PHA's 2015 Building a Healthier Future Summit in
Washington, D.C., the automaker
announced a $10.5 million grant to
the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA (Laureus USA), the leading foundation that uses the
positive power of sport to tackle society's most pressing
challenges.
MBUSA has been a supporter of Laureus USA since 2012, and together the two have
played a huge role in the emergence of the U.S. sport for at-risk
youth movement. The joint effort has encouraged and supported
in-school and after-school programs that increase youth activity to
fight obesity and teach good coaching and sportsmanship. MBUSA's
support has reached over 140,000 kids in 30 cities to date. Its new
grant will cover increased efforts and initiatives geared towards
youth through 2017, impacting 125,000 kids annually in 25
cities.
"Investing in our youth and giving back to our local communities
are integral to the culture at Mercedes-Benz USA," said Stephen
Cannon, president and CEO of MBUSA. "Our ongoing
collaboration and commitment to Laureus USA combines our passion for community and
sports in a way that is making an impact. We look forward to
continuing helping kids across the country build heathier
futures."
Laureus USA Chairman
Edwin Moses joined Cannon at the
funding announcement during the Building a Healthier Future Summit.
The Summit is one of the nation's premiere gatherings of health
experts, policy makers and business and industry leaders committed
to ending childhood obesity.
"The Laureus USA family and
organization as a whole is honored and humbled to receive an
incredibly generous grant from our dedicated and long-time
supporter, MBUSA," said Moses. "These funds will help continue our
efforts to build and support sustainable, resilient organizations
that can impact the health, education and social outcomes of
children nationwide."
Moses was joined at the summit by Laureus Ambassador and NBA
Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning. As a
Laureus spokesman, Mourning supports and promotes Laureus
USA's work around the world.
For more information about Laureus USA, please visit www.laureususa.com. For more
information on PHA, visit www.ahealthieramerica.org.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA),
headquartered in Montvale, New
Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and
customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United
States. For the 50 years MBUSA has operated in this country,
the company has been an integral part of the communities in which
it does business and the neighborhoods where its employees live and
work. A common thread through its activities over the decades has
been a commitment to nurturing leadership. To that end, MBUSA
places particular emphasis on initiatives designed to empower
future generations, particularly those who are underserved. MBUSA
is committed to helping today's youth develop the tools they need
to reach their full potential and become the leaders and success
stories of tomorrow.
About Laureus USA
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA (www.laureususa.com) is a registered
501(c)(3) public charity in the United States. It is part of the
Laureus Sport for Good Foundation global network, which includes
the global Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the Laureus World
Sports Academy and the Laureus World Sports Awards. Collectively,
the Laureus global network harnesses the power of sport to promote
social change and celebrate sporting excellence. Laureus champions
the universal power of sport to bring people together as a force
for good, pursuit of excellence, overcoming challenges, celebrating
achievement and winning against the odds.
*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Childhood
Obesity Facts,"
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm.
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SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA