The Green Bay Packers and American Family Insurance on Thursday celebrated the official opening of the American Family Insurance DreamDrive training camp activity for the sixth year.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Thursday morning to recognize the DreamDrive, the specially designed bike experience for Packers fans and families at training camp, centered on the storied training camp tradition where Packers players ride children's bikes to and from practice.
Five Dream Fleet bikes, which each celebrate a different piece of Wisconsin's rich heritage, were introduced for another year at the ribbon-cutting, all provided by the Packers and American Family Insurance. The Dream Fleet bikes include the Cow Cruiser, the Cheddar Chariot, the Packers Tailgate Trailblazer, the Dream Driver and the Farm and Ranch Rider.
For a fifth year, kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Green Bay have the opportunity to ride the special bikes to practice with the players. Other children are welcome to participate in DreamDrive and are encouraged to bring their own bikes in keeping with the longstanding tradition.
Thursday's ribbon cutting also featured a player riding a Packers-themed adaptive bike, with a specially designed wheel that uses the rider's hands and arms to pedal. The player was joined by Jemma Blechacz, a 5-year-old from Fox Point, Wisconsin, who was born with spina bifida, which causes extremely limited use of her right leg. Thanks to Variety and Brent Emery, Jemma joined the player in riding her own special adaptive bike. Along with Jemma, several adaptive bike participants from the past three years of DreamDrive rode their bikes down to practice alongside the rest of the Packers players.
"We're about inspiring and protecting dreams, and being associated with a team and a stadium where so many dreams have been imagined and fulfilled is especially rewarding," said Dan Kelly, American Family Insurance CFO/treasurer. "We're excited to celebrate the opening of the DreamDrive, and we're hoping to inspire Packers fans to dream fearlessly."
DreamDrive is a feature of the partnership between the Packers and the Madison-based insurance company, which has been a partner of the team since 2005. The partnership also includes the American Family Insurance Gate on the stadium's east side, allowing fans easy access to the Lambeau Field Atrium.
About American Family Insurance
Madison, Wis.-based American Family Insurance is the nation's 13th-largest mutual property/casualty insurance group and ranks 332nd on the Fortune 500 list. The company sells American Family-brand products, including auto, homeowners, life, business and farm/ranch insurance, through its exclusive agents in 19 states. American Family affiliates (**The General**, **Homesite** and **AssureStart**) also provide options for consumers who want to manage their insurance matters directly on the internet or by phone. **www.amfam.com**; **www.facebook.com/amfam**; **www.twitter.com/amfam**
