Press Releases: National
July 31, 2006
Kaiser Permanente Announces Sponsorship of USA Diving
Olympic Hopefuls to Benefit From Public/Private Partnership
OAKLAND, Calif. – Kaiser Permanente has signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with USA Diving, a nonprofit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) as the national governing body of the sport. The US National Diving Championships will now be called the Kaiser Permanente National Diving Championships, with the first event to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, August 1-5. Subsequent events will be held in California in 2007 and 2008. This competition is one of USA Diving’s most prestigious events. Approximately 125 of the nation’s best divers will gather to compete for approximately 10 national titles, and a chance to qualify for USA Diving’s national team. The national team represents the U.S. in 10 international competitions per year. In addition, the Kaiser Permanente Summer Masters Nationals will be held August 5-7 at the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center in Pasadena, California.
This sponsorship will also mark the beginning of a collaborative effort between the USA Diving Medical Staff and physicians from the Permanente Medical Groups. Kaiser Permanente will provide medical supplies for major events, develop parameters for support of local diving clubs and, provide general and emergency care at major USA Diving events. The two medical groups will also present together at sports medicine seminars and conferences. Kaiser Permanente and USAD will also work collaboratively to generate research project ideas that will assist Team USA’s performance at the 2012 Games.
“We are pleased to have Kaiser Permanente join the USA Diving sponsor family,” says Todd Smith, Executive Director and CEO of USA Diving. “Their commitment to excellence in the field of health care mirrors our athletes’ drive for perfection in the sport of diving.”
“Our support of these athletes reflects Kaiser Permanente’s broader commitment to total health and the concept of Thrive,” stated Larry Leisure, senior vice president, sales & account management. “We are enthusiastic about our sponsorship role of USA Diving and the impact these events will have in building momentum for the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing.”
Based on medal-winning percentages, diving is the most successful individual summer Olympic sport in the United States, having won 43 percent of all diving medals awarded at the Games. USA Diving is funded by the USOC, but receives the majority of its funding from sponsorships and donations. USA Diving represents 300 clubs nationwide and is responsible for selecting, training, and preparing athletes to represent the United States in the Olympics, World Championships, World Cup, and Pan-American Games.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.
