Social responsibility isn't just one of The Cigna Group’s corporate values – it's part of our company's identity. We believe that meaningful impact begins with purpose-driven action.

As part of our “Gear Up for Good” initiative, we recently sponsored the 2025 Achilles International Relay, a 350-mile group bike ride, and marked the milestone by bringing employees together for community service projects benefiting teens from The Boys & Girls Clubs in both Hartford, Connecticut and Washington D.C.

The bike relay features athletes with physical disabilities who often participate wearing single or double prosthetics or using an adaptive bicycle, such as a handcycle. Beginning at The Cigna Group's headquarters in Bloomfield, Connecticut, and ending in Washington D.C., the race celebrated resilience, inclusion, and community.

“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.”   

Watch the video below, and keep reading to learn more about the relay, and our starting and finish line celebrations.

In Bloomfield, The Cigna Group employees gathered with energy and purpose. Some hopped on bikes, while others cheered, but all were united in a mission to make a difference. Before the relay even began, more than 250 employees built 50 bikes and The Cigna Group donated 125 more for teens at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Hartford. These bikes are more than just a means of transportation; they are tools for independence, helping kids get to school and work, as well as stay active.

Bruce W. Jeffrey, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, emphasized the impact of these acts of kindness: “The message we want to give our young people is that there are caring adults in our community who spent time doing this. Although they may not meet these adults in person, they always know that there are people who care about them and support them along their journey.”

The bike relay continued its ride to Washington D.C., where The Cigna Group volunteers celebrated the finish line with more community service – by packing more than 200 youth mental health kits to be donated to local teens at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Washington D.C. These kits, filled with journals, stress balls, and fidget toys, can help kids better cope with and manage their stress levels, while supporting their overall emotional well-being.

“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.” 

This relay was not just an event; it was a movement. It reminded us that when we move together with purpose and compassion, we can achieve so much.