Bloomfield, Conn., Sept. 17, 2025 — A powerful wave of grit, gratitude, and community spirit rolled down the East Coast last week as The Cigna Group and Achilles International completed the 350-mile “Gear Up for Good” bike relay from Connecticut to Washington, D.C. Along the way, 245 young people in Hartford, Connecticut and Washington D.C. are being given new bikes to boost their physical, mental and emotional wellness, and 200 students in the nation’s capital were given mental health packs to help them thrive in the new school year.
“Achilles International athletes are proof that anything is possible when you have a community behind you,” said Melissa Skottegaard, board chair, The Cigna Group Foundation. “Unity and support are powerful drivers of health and vitality, and we’re proud to champion an event that brings these values to life for our colleagues — especially as we engage young people in our communities.”
During a finish-line celebration held in Washington D.C., employees of The Cigna Group assembled mental health packs for more than 200 local youth and teens served by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. As a follow-up to the employee bike build and donation in Hartford at the relay kick-off, The Cigna Group donated an additional 70 bikes to the D.C. Club, ensuring kids and teens can experience vitality and freedom with their new wheels.
“Community is the cornerstone of resilience. When we come together with one shared goal, we create a network of strength that helps individuals overcome challenges and thrive,” said Emily Glasser, president and CEO, Achilles International. “Our longstanding work with The Cigna Group ensures that every mile makes a difference in the lives of youth, adults and military veterans with disabilities.”
The Cigna Group is a longtime partner of Achilles International and has a broader partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America through its philanthropic entity, The Cigna Group Foundation. The David and Sherry Cordani Family Foundation contributed to bike donations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford and contributed to the Yellow Ribbon Fund Crossroad Programs in support of veterans and military families who are receiving treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
About The Cigna Group
The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) is a global health company committed to creating a better future built on the vitality of every individual and every community. We relentlessly challenge ourselves to partner and innovate solutions for better health. The Cigna Group includes products and services marketed under Cigna Healthcare, Evernorth Health Services or its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group maintains sales capabilities in more than 30 countries and jurisdictions and has more than 186 million customer relationships around the world. Learn more at thecignagroup.com.
About The Cigna Group Foundation
The Cigna Group Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Group Foundation aims to support, collaborate, and convene with nonprofit organizations addressing society's greatest health challenges. In addition to increasing access to programs and care in geographies demonstrating significant need, the Foundation responds with humanitarian aid relief during critical times and strengthens colleagues' support of causes through matching donations and volunteer rewards. To learn more, visit www.thecignagroup.com/community
About Achilles International
Achilles International is a leading adaptive running nonprofit that transforms the lives of youth, adults and military veterans with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. Achilles hosts free adaptive run, walk and roll workouts in over 60 chapters in parks around the world and breaks down barriers to race start lines. For more information about volunteering as a guide runner, joining as an athlete with a disability, or making a donation, visit www.achillesinternational.org.
About the David and Sherry Cordani Family Foundation
The David and Sherry Cordani Family Foundation was established by The Cigna Group chairman and CEO David M. Cordani and his wife Sherry to support organizations that create real-world lasting impacts aligned with the Cordani family's commitments to supporting community health and overall well-being.
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