COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) announced it received a $230,000 grant from the Anthem Foundation,—the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc.—to implement the National Fitness Challenge for the fifth consecutive year.

“The Anthem Foundation continues to empower and inspire youth and adults across the nation who are blind and visually impaired by supporting the National Fitness Challenge,” said Mark Lucas, executive director of USABA. “We are honored and excited to once again partner with the Anthem Foundation to cultivate a healthier community.”

For the next nine months, USABA will be partnering with 13 agencies throughout the United States to provide 300 blind and visually impaired youth and adults with opportunities to increase their physical fitness levels and live more active lives.

The goal of the National Fitness Challenge is to raise the physical activity levels of each participant to the level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This year’s program will integrate the use of technology and social media to help the participants set goals, create team environments and encourage leadership.

USABA will provide each participant with a Fitbit Flex 2, which provides a universal way to measure many kinds of activities, calories burned and the number of steps taken. Some of the activities included in this year’s challenge include indoor rowing (outdoor if available), running, judo, yoga, couch to 5k/half marathon programs and goalball —a team sport for blind and visually impaired athletes.

The funds from the Anthem Foundation grant will provide a Fitbit Flex 2 wearable for every participant, fitness and nutrition instruction, prizes for participants who excel, and technical and financial support for everyone participating in the program.

“We are pleased to again partner with USABA to help break down barriers, and leverage technology to help those with vision impairments enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of exercise,” said Craig Samitt, MD, chief clinical officer, Anthem, Inc. “Together, we want to ensure that those with visual impairments are not denied the opportunity to lead an active life and have the opportunity to avoid the health risks that come from a sedentary lifestyle.”