Run to collect funds for visually impaired athletes

Standard Insurance Company ("The Standard") and Rachael Scdoris, a legally-blind sled dog racer, are raising money for other athletes who are blind or visually impaired through her participation in the 34th annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. People are encouraged to visit Scdoris' Web site, GoRachaelGo.com, to pledge as little as $.01 for every mile of the race that Scdoris completes. All donations will benefit the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA), and The Standard will match donations up to a total of $50,000.

"I couldn't compete in the Iditarod without the financial support of The Standard and my other sponsors," said Scdoris. "I'm asking sled dog fans and anyone who has ever dreamed of being a champion to enable other visually- impaired athletes to compete by making a donation to the USABA."

The USABA, a community-based organization of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is dedicated to increasing the number and quality of athletic opportunities for Americans who are blind or visually impaired. The USABA provides athletic opportunities for all Americans who are blind or visually impaired in 10 sports, from the grassroots level for children and youth to the elite Paralympic level. The USABA is also sponsoring Scdoris as she competes in the Iditarod.

"The Standard is proud to sponsor Rachael in her quest to complete the Iditarod," said Greg Ness, senior vice president of Standard Insurance Company's Insurance Services Group. "The Standard has a history of helping people with disabilities overcome obstacles so that they can pursue their dreams. By teaming up with Rachael, we will be helping other blind and visually-impaired athletes achieve their dreams."

Scdoris will race in the Iditarod with the assistance of a visual interpreter, who will run a team of dogs ahead of her team, communicating upcoming obstacles by two-way radio. Last year marked Scdoris' first effort to complete the "Last Great Race." After completing more than 700 miles of the trail, she was forced to withdraw when her dogs became ill.

About The Standard

StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. 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 more than 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.