Horizon NJ Health Sponsors 2005 21st Annual Cycle and Walk for Kids' Sake

(West Trenton, NJ — September 30, 2005) — Horizon NJ Health, a subsidiary of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, announced its sponsorship of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters 21st Annual Cycle & Walk for Kids? Sake on Saturday October 1, 2005. The annual event, presented by the Burlington County chapter, will begin at the Masonic Temple in Burlington Township starting from 6:30 a.m. All proceeds from the event will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters Burlington County, which provides mentoring programs throughout the county.

"Horizon NJ Health is delighted to sponsor this annual Cycle and Walk for Kids? Sake, since it benefits children throughout the county and promotes healthy exercise along with other family activities which all help to improve the quality of life in the community," said Karen L. Clark, President and Chief Operating Officer for Horizon NJ Health, the state?s largest managed health care company serving the publicly insured. "The work of Big Brothers and Big Sisters is so valuable in matching children with caring adult mentors. We hope to encourage others ? individuals and companies ? to sponsor a participant in this event. Big Brothers and Big Sisters offer positive one- on-one relationships that help these kids improve their self-esteem, schoolwork and personal growth."

Start times for the event are flexible to accommodate everyone. Cycling begins from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and walkers or runners can start from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Riders and walkers of all ages and levels can participate in four different bicycle routes that include many rest stops and assistance in case of mechanical problems. Participants can enjoy a 20, 40, 65 or even 100-mile course through the scenic, rural areas of Burlington County.

Horizon NJ Health is a proud and committed sponsor for this event. After the event all participants and family members can relax, enjoy many types of entertainment, prizes and a special barbeque to be held at the Masonic Home Pavilion.

To learn more about participating in the Cycle and Walk for Kids? Sake, view their website: www.CycleForKidsSake.org for the latest information and to download materials or call 609-261-4960.

Horizon NJ Health is New Jersey's largest managed health care organization serving the publicly insured, providing health services to close to 280,000 people in all 21 New Jersey counties. Headquartered in West Trenton, NJ, Horizon NJ Health is a subsidiary of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ). Horizon NJ Health's Web site is located at www.horizonNJhealth.com.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon BCBSNJ), with headquarters in Newark, is New Jersey's largest health insurer, providing coverage to more than 3.1 million people. Horizon BCBSNJ's Web site is located at www.HorizonBlue.com. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.