NEW YORK – The National Basketball Association (NBA), the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the NBA Development League, in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association and sanofi-aventis U.S., today announced the launch of Dribble to Stop Diabetes, a national multimedia campaign designed to encourage fans to live an active, healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about diabetes prevention, management and the potentially serious health complications that can be associated with the disease.

Dribble to Stop Diabetes will tip off in Los Angeles during NBA All-Star 2011 with assists from campaign ambassadors Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, Alana Beard of the Washington Mystics and NBA Legends Walt Frazier and Chris Dudley.  The ambassadors will appear in a nationally broadcast public service announcement which will debut on Friday, Feb. 18, during the nationally televised NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on ESPN.  In addition, Dribble to Stop Diabetes will host three NBA/WNBA/D-League FIT Clinics at the 2011 NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas.

As part of the campaign, NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League teams will host Dribble to Stop Diabetes in-arena nights featuring on-court activation and PSAs.  Teams will also provide fans with diabetes educational materials and Dribble to Stop Diabetes clinics will take place during the 2011 WNBA Finals.

“As a professional basketball player, I know how important it is to take care of your health,” said Dwight Howard.  “For those at risk of developing diabetes and people living with the condition, living a healthy lifestyle including following a proper diet and exercise is important. Our hope is that Dribble to Stop Diabetes will raise awareness about the disease and provide fans with important information to help themselves and their families.”

“As recent statistics from the CDC have shown, nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes and another 79 million are at risk for type 2 diabetes. If current trends continue, one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050,” said Beth Mayer-Davis, MSPH, PhD, RD, President, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association. “This is why we are so excited to be collaborating with sanofi-aventis U.S., the NBA, WNBA, NBA D-League and these great players and role models to raise awareness about diabetes and the importance of prevention and management of this potentially deadly disease.”

“Sanofi-aventis U.S. is committed to raising awareness of diabetes. With an estimated 7 million Americans who remain undiagnosed, education is essential,” stated Dennis Urbaniak, Vice President, Head of U.S. Diabetes, sanofi-aventis U.S. “We are proud to partner with the NBA, WNBA, NBA D-League and the American Diabetes Association to help communicate this important message to a nationwide audience.”

Dribble to Stop Diabetes will also roll out a series of additional initiatives as part of the campaign, including diabetes educational materials distributed through the league’s NBA/WNBAFIT program, and a Web site to launch this week (www.dribbletostopdiabetes.com) to educate fans and encourage them to discuss diabetes with their health care providers.

“Dribble to Stop Diabetes is a great complement to our NBA/WNBA FIT program as we work to promote health and wellness for fans of all ages,” said NBA Executive Vice President, Social Responsibility & Player Programs Kathy Behrens.  “We are excited to partner with the American Diabetes Association and sanofi-aventis U.S. in their fight against the growing diabetes epidemic.”

About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to stop diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

About sanofi-aventis U.S.
Sanofi-aventis U.S. is an affiliate of sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to help improve the lives of patients.  Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

About NBA/WNBA FIT
NBA/WNBA FIT is the league’s comprehensive health and wellness program that encourages physical activity and healthy living for children and families.  Through a nationwide network of more than 880 community-based organizations, NBA/WNBA FIT brings programs and events to children, adults, and families year-round.  NBA/WNBA FIT also collaborates with the Let’s Move! campaign, which first lady Michelle Obama established to provide communities nationwide with resources to help kids eat healthy and get active.  In partnership with the American College of Sports Medicine and Nemours’ KidsHealth.org, NBA/WNBA FIT also provides health and fitness information to children and families through newsletters, social media, and interactive online content at NBA.com/nbafit.  NBA/WNBA FIT strives to motivate and inspire kids, adults, and families to PLEDGE NBA/WNBA FIT online at NBA.com/nbafit.