FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Members of Congress Vow to Speed Things Up
The ACLI Capital Challenge three-mile road race returns to Washington,
D.C.'s Anacostia Park on Wednesday, May 15 at 8:00 a.m. The event attracts
scores of members of Congress, high-ranking political appointees, Generals,
Admirals, radio and television correspondents, print and web reporters,
Federal Judges, deep state runners and other Washington VIPs who will
captain and compete on over 130 teams.
Known for its irreverence and political humor, the race will again have
several members of congress try to outrun the media. "Once a year I get to
tell some of the most important people in Washington not to move until I
say so," said Director Jeff Darman. Each captain must finish for his or her
team to score. The race started in 1981 and spotlights the fitness of many
of the country's busiest leaders, including many Senate and House Committee
Chairs and ranking members.
The ACLI Capital Challenge benefits Junior Achievement. All entry fees,
along with a contribution from the sponsors, will be given to Junior
Achievement to give young people the knowledge and skills they need to make
positive choices, plan for their future, and achieve economic success.
Junior Achievement programs provide relevant hands-on experiences that give
students of all ages knowledge and skills related to financial literacy,
work readiness and entrepreneurship.
"We're especially proud that this year's ACLI Capital Challenge will
benefit Junior Achievement and its financial literacy program," said ACLI
President and CEO Susan Neely. "Junior Achievement is committed to ensure
that its financial education and other youth programs are delivered in
inclusive and diverse learning environments. And its mission fits perfectly
with our industry's commitment to help make financial and retirement
security available to all American families."
The race's title sponsor is the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), a
Washington, D.C.-based trade association that advocates on behalf of
280-member companies dedicated to providing products and services that
promote consumers' financial and retirement security. 90 million American
families depend on ACLI members for life insurance, annuities, retirement
plans, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, reinsurance,
dental and vision and other supplements benefits. ACLI represents member
companies in state, federal and international forums for public policy that
supports the industry marketplace and the families that rely on life
insurers' products for peace of mind. ACLI members represent 95 percent of
industry assets in the United States.
Deena Kastor, Olympic Bronze Medalist, American Marathon Record Holder
(2:19:36), eight-time NCAA All-American and Silver Medalist at the World
Cross Country Championships, will serve as official "whistle blower" and
start the runners on their way. She will then jump in and run from the back
of the pack.
The ACLI Capital Challenge annually settles the question of which branch of
the federal Government is the fittest. Or will the media end up on top? As
usual there is spirited competition for the best and worst team name (James
B. Kenin Award). Some early contenders include:
TEAMS CAPTAINS
Cornyn's Running Collusions Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
Shalala Shin Splints Representative Donna Shalala (D-FL)
Golden Gaits Representative Jared Golden (D-ME)
Census has A Countability Stephen Buckner, Asst. Dir. Of
Communications, Census Bureau
The Run On Sentences Ellen Gilmer, E&E News
Quid Pro Go Judge Florence Pan, DC Superior Court
Bet Chutkan't Catch Us Judge Tanya Chutkan, US District Court,
District of Columbia
Breaking the News, Adam Longo, WUSA9
Breaking our Knees
Big Mak Attack Tim Mak, NPR
Geoff's Geoggers Geoff Brumfiel, NPR
The riverfront course is out and back in Anacostia Park. After the race,
runners will enjoy a catered breakfast (TARP, Tired Athletes Refreshment
Program) and pure spring water compliments of ACLI. Sponsors in addition to
ACLI are: AIG, Boston Mutual, Guardian Life Insurance, Hannover Life
Reassurance, Jackson National, John Hancock, MetLIfe, Nationwide, New York
Life, OneAmerica, Pacific Life, Prudential, RGA, Transamerica, USAA, UTG,
Voya Financial, Western & Southern Financial Group, and media sponsor CQ
Roll Call.
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