NBA Family, American Diabetes Association, and Sanofi US Tip Off 2013 Dribble To Stop Diabetes Awareness Campaign

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --  The National Basketball Association (NBA), the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), and the NBA Development League, in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association and Sanofi US, today announced the tip-off of the 2013 Dribble to Stop Diabetes initiative, a national campaign designed to encourage fans to live an active, healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about type 2 diabetes prevention and management, along with the potentially serious health complications that can be associated with the disease.

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Dribble to Stop Diabetes enters its third year with assists from campaign ambassadors Andre Iguodala of the Denver Nuggets, Danny Granger of the Indiana Pacers, and Tamika Catchings of the Indiana Fever.  Each ambassador will appear in a nationally broadcast public service announcement, which will debut today on the campaign website, www.dribbletostopdiabetes.com, and on tonight's game broadcast on NBA TV. In addition, Dribble to Stop Diabetes will have a designated space at 2013 NBA All-Star Jam Session which will offer a variety of fun activities, including NBA/WNBA/D-League FIT Clinics for local youth, and campaign materials for fans to take home.            

As part of the campaign, NBA, WNBA, and NBA D-League teams will host Dribble to Stop Diabetes in-arena nights featuring on court activations, concourse tabling providing fans with educational materials, and PSAs. In addition, Dribble to Stop Diabetes clinics will take place during the 2013 WNBA Finals and NBA Nation – the league's largest mobile basketball playground, which visits cities across the country each summer – will feature Dribble to Stop Diabetes activities.

"The Dribble to Stop Diabetes campaign raises awareness about diabetes prevention and emphasizes 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."

"Seven million people are unaware that they have diabetes, that's a frightening statistic," said Larry Hausner, CEO, American Diabetes Association.  "Our collaboration with the NBA, WNBA, NBA D-League and Sanofi US allows us to reach people to raise awareness and to ultimately save lives."

"Sanofi US is thrilled to continue this campaign with our partners the American Diabetes Association, NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League. 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," said Dennis Urbaniak, Vice President and Head of U.S. Diabetes Patient Centered Unit, Sanofi US. "As we move into our third year we're confident that once again the program will be a slam-dunk."

Additional Dribble to Stop Diabetes initiatives will include diabetes educational materials distributed through the league's NBA/WNBA FIT program and a website (www.dribbletostopdiabetes.com) that features the Diabetes Risk Test and other resources and encourages fans to discuss diabetes with their health care providers.

"Dribble to Stop Diabetes continues to be an important piece of our NBA/WNBA FIT program," said NBA Senior Vice President of Community Relations Todd Jacobson. "Our ongoing partnership with the American Diabetes Association and Sanofi US allows us to educate fans of all ages about the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle in an effort to reduce the growing diabetes epidemic."

About the American Diabetes Association

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

About Sanofi

Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients' needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, rare diseases, consumer healthcare, emerging markets and animal health. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi is the holding company of a consolidated group of subsidiaries and operates in the United States as Sanofi US. For more information on Sanofi US, please visit http://www.sanofi.us or call 1-800-981-2491.

About NBA/WNBA FIT

NBA/WNBA FIT is the league's comprehensive health and wellness program that encourages physical activity and healthy living for children and families. Through a nationwide network of more than 1,000 organizations, NBA/WNBA FIT brings programs and events to more than two million children, adults, and families year-round. NBA/WNBA FIT also collaborates with the Let's Move! campaign, which First Lady Michelle Obama established to provide communities nationwide with resources to help kids eat healthy and get active. In partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine and Nemours' KidsHealth.org, NBA/WNBA FIT also provides health and fitness information to children and families through newsletters, social media, and interactive online content at NBA.com/nbafit.

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SOURCE Sanofi US