Legally-Blind Sled Dog Racer’s Historic Iditarod Run Raises Funds for the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes

Sled dog racer Rachael Scdoris, the first legally blind athlete to complete the grueling Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, and her lead sponsor, Standard Insurance Company, raised $116,684 for the United States Association of Blind Athletes.  Scdoris encouraged individuals and corporations to make a donation or pledge, as little as one penny for every mile of the Iditarod that she completed through her Web site www.gorachaelgo.com. The Standard matched donations up to $50,000 with all proceeds going to providing sports opportunities to other blind and visually impaired athletes.

Facing some of the most unforgiving race conditions in recent history – including temperatures as low as –55°F and brutal winds – Scdoris completed the race with the assistance of a visual interpreter, Tim Osmar of Ninilchik, Alaska. Osmar, who has completed the Iditarod more than 20 times, ran the race ahead of Scdoris with his own team of dogs.  He communicated hazards and directions to her via a two-way radio.

“Rachael is an amazing athlete and inspiration,” said Mark Lucas, Executive Director of USABA.  “Through her efforts on the sled and through The Standard’s efforts in supporting Rachael in this campaign, it allows USABA to make a tremendous impact on the lives of children, youth and adults who are blind and visually impaired.  We cannot thank them enough.”

“We are very proud of Rachael and we are thrilled to have been able to help her raise money for the USABA,” said Greg Ness, Senior Vice President of The Standard’s Insurance Services Group. “As a company whose goal is to help people with disabilities overcome barriers and achieve their dreams, we applaud Rachael for her dedication and commitment to her sport and for her efforts to make sure that other visually impaired athletes get the chance to compete.”

About The Standard
StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. (“StanCorp”) (NYSE: SFG) through its subsidiaries marketed as The Standard — Standard Insurance Company, The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York, StanCorp Investment Advisers, StanCorp Equities, Inc., StanCorp Trust Company and StanCorp Mortgage Investors — is a leading provider of financial products and services. The Standard serves approximately 7 million customers nationwide as of December 31, 2005, with group and individual disability insurance, group life and dental insurance, retirement products and services and investment advice. Founded in 1906 as Oregon Life Insurance Company, The Standard is celebrating 100 years of helping people achieve financial security. For more information about The Standard visit http://www.standard.com/.