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MVP Health Care Kid Power Returns For 2009-10

October 8, 2009 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany River Rats News Release


ALBANY, NY - ALBANY, NY - The Albany River Rats and MVP Health Care today announced the continuation of their school assembly program, "MVP Health Care: KidPower at School with the River Rats". The health and fitness talks will kick-off today when River Rats forwards Stefan Chaput and Matthew Pistilli visit Green Island School.

The KidPower assembly program is designed to teach school age children the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices and keeping active through sports. The assemblies feature appearances by team mascot "Rowdy" The Rat, River Rat players and MVP Health Care Mascot, "Appleby." Children who participate in the assembly program or greet the team at any of their area appearances are invited to write a short essay (100 words or less) on what fun things they do to stay healthy and active. One grand prize winner will be invited to watch a home game with 10 friends from their very own Luxury or Ice Level Suite at a game during the 2009-10 season! There will be additional winners chosen for other River Rats prize packs including game tickets, special "experiences" and other great prizes.

"MVP's KidPower program aims at instilling healthy lifestyle choices in children, using elite athletes such as the Albany River Rats players to connect with kids through the sports they love. Kids really listen to the message of healthy living when it comes from positive role models like the River Rats." said David W. Oliker, MVP Health Care president and CEO.

"We are excited to continue our relationship with MVP Health Care and look forward to helping area youths understand the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle," said River Rats VP of Marketing & Communications, Jonathan Scherzer. "The addition of the essay contest and suite night for a lucky grand prize winner is another great reason for Capital Region children to achieve their goals both on the ice and in the classroom."

MVP Health Care is committed to helping kids recognize the importance and fun of a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and making good food choices. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 16 percent of all children and teens in the United States are overweight. Additionally, an American Heart Association study found that 23 percent of children don't get any exercise outside of school. Being overweight and not getting enough exercise increase the risk for serious cardiovascular and other diseases throughout childhood and into adulthood. Programs like MVP Health Care KidPower at School with the River Rats can make a difference in educating children and their families on the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices.

MVP Health Care, Inc. is a family of companies offering a range of health benefit plans and options combined with leading-edge wellness programs that help reduce health risks and control health care costs. MVP distinguishes itself by combining the wide range of health benefit plan options offered by large insurers with the attentive service and flexibility normally associated with a smaller company. Through MVP Health Plan, Inc., the MVP Health Insurance Company, Preferred Care and Preferred Assurance Company, MVP Health Care, Inc. serves more than 700,000 members across Upstate New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.

Albany's next home game is on Friday, October 9th at 7:00 p.m. when the faceoff with the Portland Pirates at the Times Union Center. River Rats 2009-10 season and flex ticket packages are now on sale at the River Rats executive offices at the Times Union Center, by calling (518) 487-2244 or by logging onto www.albanyriverrats.com.

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