Sanofi US and the American Diabetes Association have teamed up with major US basketball leagues to help increase public awareness of type 2 diabetes.
The National Basketball Association (NBA), the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the NBA Development League have signed up to the third annual Dribble to Stop Diabetes initiative.
The programme aims to encourage active, healthy lifestyles, while providing information about the condition.
“Sanofi US is thrilled to continue this campaign with our partners the American Diabetes Association, NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League,” said Dennis Urbaniak, vice president and head of US Diabetes Patient Centered Unit, Sanofi US.
“Our goal of educating fans of all ages about living a healthy and active lifestyle in the face of the growing diabetes epidemic continues to grow in importance,” he said.
Assisting with the campaign will be NBA All-Stars Andre Iguodala and Danny Granger and WNBA All-Star Tamika Catching, who will each appear in nationally broadcast public service announcements, shown on the campaign website and the NBA TV channel.
“The Dribble to Stop Diabetes campaign raises awareness about diabetes prevention and emphasises the importance of proper nutrition and regular exercise,” said Granger.
“As both a professional basketball player and someone with a family history of diabetes, my health is my priority and I am proud to support an initiative that encourages our fans to live an active and healthy lifestyle,” he added.
Dribble to Stop Diabetes will have designated spaces at the 2013 NBA All-Stars Jam Sessions, where the team will hold NBA/WNBA/D-League FIT Clinics for local youngsters, as well as campaign material for fans.
The leagues will also host activities on certain evenings and educational material will be distributed at various sporting events and via the campaign website.