Scott Burrell Promotes Children's Fitness During ING Hartford Marathon Weekend

(Vocus) October 6, 2009 -- Former professional basketball player Scott Burrell will trade his high-tops for a pair of orange laces and running shoes as he joins over 1,000 students in Bushnell Park to celebrate ING Run for Something Better Day on Friday, October 9.

Burrell will help spread a positive message to young people about the benefits of health and fitness in connection with the ING Hartford Marathon (www.inghartfordmarathon.com), which takes place on Saturday morning, October 10.

"As a college coach and a former pro ball player, I know the importance of staying healthy and fit. Unfortunately, too many young people in our country aren't getting enough physical activity and exercise," said Burrell. "The great thing about running is that just about anyone can do it. You don't need a lot of equipment, and you don't have to be a professional athlete. I'm happy to see a company like ING making a difference and helping children take a positive step toward healthier lives."

ING Run For Something Better Day takes place at Hartford's Bushnell Park on Friday, October 9. The race is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.inghartfordmarathon.com.

The ING Run For Something Better (www.orangelaces.com) program is a national initiative established by financial services leader ING. As a sponsor of premier running events across the U.S., ING (www.ing.com/US) has been promoting youth fitness by providing grants and funding to school-based running and health education programs.

In the Hartford area, the ING Run For Something Better program is managed by the Hartford Marathon Foundation. Students from participating schools train by running their own version of a half marathon, covering 13.1 miles in 6 weeks. Those who complete 12 miles prior to marathon weekend are invited to ING Run For Something Better Day where they run their last 1.1 "final mile" in Bushnell Park, crossing over the official ING Hartford Marathon Finish Line. They also receive a finisher's medal and enjoy lunch as they experience the "World of Fitness" exhibits and activities.

Childhood obesity has become a serious health concern in the United States. Educating kids about the importance of living an active and healthy life is the cornerstone of the ING Run For Something Better.

Since 2003, over 50,000 children have participated in ING Run For Something Better programs across the country. Children in these programs have reached a milestone of running more than 1.5 million miles.

Those interested in following the latest news and updates on the ING Run For Something Better program can do so on Twitter at www.twitter.com/OrangeLaces as well as by visiting a newly launched ING Facebook page (search "ING Run For Something Better" on Facebook).

Press inquiries:

Joe Loparco

ING Americas

Office: 860.580.2677

Cell: 860.462.6525

About Scott Burrell

Scott Burrell is a former basketball star who played professionally with the Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets. An avid athlete growing up, Burrell excelled at both baseball and basketball during his college years. He attended the University of Connecticut, where he played on the men's basketball team and became the first player in National Collegiate Athletic Association history to compile more than 1,500 points, 750 rebounds, 275 assists and 300 steals. Among his other accomplishments, Burrell was the first American athlete to be a first round draft-pick of two major sporting organizations -- the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball. He was also the first UConn player to win a National Basketball Association Championship, which he earned with the Chicago Bulls in 1998. Burrell is currently the assistant men's basketball coach at Quinnipiac University in his hometown of Hamden, Connecticut.

About ING

ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, investments, life insurance and retirement services to over 85 million private, corporate and institutional clients in over 40 countries. With a diverse workforce of more than 110,000 people, ING is dedicated to setting the standard in helping our clients manage their financial future. In the U.S., the ING (NYSE: ING) family of companies offers a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients, which includes life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves approximately 30 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit www.ing.com/US.

About the ING Run For Something Better

The ING Run For Something Better is a fundraising campaign that supports community and school-based youth running programs. Linked to ING's long-distance race sponsorships, the program was created to introduce kids to the benefits of sport, a habit of physical fitness, and a healthy lifestyle that prevents conditions such as childhood obesity. In today's world of poor nutrition and less-active lifestyles -- which may contribute to childhood obesity -- ING is using its position as a sponsor of marathons as a platform for helping kids get fit through free, school-based running programs. Nationally, ING has committed over $2.5 million to fund grants and school-based running programs through ING Run For Something Better. Since 2006, over a half a million dollars has been raised by individual donors through the orange laces program. ING has also created a special charitable fund to encourage others to support the cause by making their own contribution. When someone donates $10 or more to the ING Run For Something Better, ING will recognize their contribution by giving them a special pair of orange shoelaces to wear showing that they are "tied" to supporting kids' fitness. 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of orange laces go to the ING Run For Something Better fitness programs. For more information about the orange laces, go to www.orangelaces.com.

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