Durham, N.C. – As the Olympics kick off for athletes around the world this summer, international soccer star Mia Hamm and fellow Olympic gold medalists Kristine Lilly and Tisha Venturini Hoch offer North Carolina girls an unforgettable experience of their own. For the second year, Hamm will coach young players and their families to make health a priority both on and off the field at three private soccer clinics across the state.
As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Live Fearless Ambassador, Hamm is hosting soccer clinics to educate and inspire parents and young female athletes to lead healthy and active lives. Attendees were chosen from girls aged 8-12 who visited the BCBSNC website and took the Live Fearless Pledge by July 14, and players from local soccer leagues who were recognized for sportsmanship. After the success of last year’s clinics, Hamm was eager to help more girls practice skills, learn healthy habits, and be their best selves.
“I really enjoyed last year’s clinics and I learned from the girls as much as I taught them,” said Hamm. “It’s a thrill every time I come back to North Carolina, where so much of my growth and development as an athlete – and as a person – took place. I look forward to meeting more aspiring athletes who are living fearless.”
Hamm, Lilly, and Venturini Hoch were NCAA soccer champions at UNC Chapel Hill and later went on to win gold at the 1996 Olympic Games. In 2010, the trio founded TeamFirst Soccer Academy – an organization dedicated to fostering healthy behaviors of young athletes. The Live Fearless clinics are sponsored by BCBSNC in collaboration with TeamFirst Soccer Academy.
“Leading a healthy life is easier to do when we feel inspired,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, director, brand strategy & integrated marketing at BCBSNC. “As we work to equip North Carolina’s young girls and their parents with knowledge to support healthy decisions, we’re thrilled to partner with Mia Hamm to inspire all of us in a way that’s fun and memorable.”
Live Fearless Soccer Clinics Event Information and Media Opportunities
Hamm, Lilly, and Venturini Hoch will be available for media interviews from 4:40 pm - 5:00 pm.
Charlotte
Aug 5 | 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm | OrthoCarolina Sportsplex, 13301 Dorman Rd, Pineville, NC 28134
Winston-Salem
Aug 6 | 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm | BB&T Soccer Park, 428 Twins Way, Bermuda Run, NC 27006
Raleigh
Aug 7 | 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm | WRAL Soccer Complex, 7700 Perry Creek Way, Raleigh, NC 27616
NEW MEDIA CONTENT:
Learn more about BCBSNC Live Fearless
http://www.bcbsnc.com/livefearless/
BCBSNC on Twitter
#LiveFearlesswithMia
BCBSNC on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/bcbsnc?fref=ts
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina improves the health and well-being of our customers and communities by providing innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.89 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. Since 1933, we have worked to make North Carolina a better place to live through our support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. We have been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute every year since 2012. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross online at bcbsnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
About TeamFirst Soccer Academy:
TeamFirst Soccer Academy is dedicated to providing young soccer players the opportunity to develop as individual athletes within a disciplined and collaborative team environment. Founded in 2010 by Mia Ham, Kristine Lilly, and Tisha Venturini Hoch, TeamFirst’s goal is to encourage players to respect the integrity of the game while continuing to nurture their love of soccer. With a combined five Olympic gold medals, five World Cup Championships, and 12 NCAA titles, this trio of highly decorated athletes hosts training camps across the United States in partnership with youth soccer clubs and academic organizations. In the history of competitive soccer, Hamm, Lilly, and Venturini Hoch are second to none because they always put the TEAM FIRST. To learn more about TeamFirst Soccer Academy, visit teamfirstsocceracademy.com.
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