Ice Skating is the Healthy Way for Kids to Enjoy Winter

Healthy Kids Fest At the Blue Cross RiverRink

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 4, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Want to find a great way to
beat the winter blues or cabin fever? Get the family off the couch and
take them ice skating outdoors; it is the healthy way to enjoy winter!


The Independence Blue Cross Ninth Annual HEALTHY KIDS FEST celebrates
ways to have fun that are also good for you too. With panoramic views
of the Delaware River, Philadelphia City Skyline and the majestic
Benjamin Franklin Bridge, ice skating at the Blue Cross RiverRink is
the perfect outdoor activity for exercising this winter. The
celebration will take place on Sunday, January 15 from 1:00 to 5:00
p.m. at the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing, new location,
Columbus Boulevard at Market Street.

Partners in this important event promoting health awareness will be
the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia
Skating Club and Humane Society. The PAL Dance Team and Cheerleading
team will be on-site to participate along with various health experts.
The Philadelphia Skating Club will provide ice skating demonstrations
at 12:20 p.m. and 2:20 p.m., showing everyone that ice skating is the
healthy way to enjoy winter!

HEALTHY KIDS FEST will feature information and tips for Moms, Dads,
and Kids on how to stay healthy during these tough winter months.
There will be interactive games and useful free information. One of
the party rooms inside the heated facility will be turned into a live
workout center or mini-gym.

The West Chester University Athletic Training Club will be on hand to
conduct blood pressure screenings, pulse readings, and stethoscope
monitoring for the children participating in the day's activities.

Added to the entertainment will be FREE activities including
face-painting, make and take crafts, and balloon artistry. There will
be various games set up for the kids to try, designed to increase
coordination and promote good sportsmanship.

B101 radio will visit the Blue Cross RiverRink as part of this event
celebrating kids. They will have crafts and special giveaways along
with their mascot Buzzbee on Sunday from 2:30-4 p.m. Kids will also
have a chance to run, jump, stretch and play as part of physical
fitness demonstrations and winter workout challenges. Penn Maid Dairy,
Philly's favorite dairy since 1927, will be on hand with their
spokescow, Queenie and healthy samples and snacks for kids. Penn Maid
Dairy will conduct an educational and interactive program on the
benefits of healthy eating with milk and dairy products with prizes
for everyone that participates. Cabot Creamery will also provide
samples of their award-winning cheeses, exhibiting that healthy snacks
can help build healthy kids.

HEALTHY KIDS FEST activities are free to the public. Skating sessions
cost $6 per person and are available during HEALTHY KIDS FEST from
12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Skate rental is $3 and
there is convenient parking available for just $8.

Public Skating Sessions are as follows: Mondays through Thursdays from
6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Fridays 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.,
and 11:00 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Saturdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3:00
to 5:30 p.m., 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.
to 1 a.m.; Sundays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., and
6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Skate to a live DJ every Friday and Saturday Night
from 9 p.m. to 12 midnight.

Independence Blue Cross is the presenting sponsor of the Blue Cross
RiverRink. Other sponsors include: Lukoil, NBC 10 and the Greater
Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.

The Blue Cross RiverRink has moved south this season to a new
location, Columbus Boulevard at Market Street. For more information on
HEALTHY KIDS FEST, skating times, lessons, birthday parties or private
sessions, please call 215.925.RINK or visit www.riverrink.com.