ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Making three point shots takes on more meaning this season, as the University of New Mexico men’s basketball team has partnered with American Cancer Society for the Coaches vs. Cancer 3-Point Challenge. The Lobos are among many teams across the nation participating in the fight against cancer.
The Coaches vs. Cancer 3-Point Challenge allows 191 college and high school basketball teams nationwide to use their spotlight on the court to raise money and awareness against cancer. Fans can pledge a donation for each 3-point shot the Lobos make during the span of Feb. 1 to March 5, supporting American Cancer Society research, education and patient programs.
To pledge a donation, click here. There are two options for pledging. The first option, fans can donate a specific amount for the duration of the contest. The second option indicates fans can pledge a certain amount ($1, $3, $5) for every three-pointer made during the challenge.
“Sports fans are passionate, and through initiatives like this one, we are channeling that passion into fun, yet meaningful, ways to help save lives from cancer,” said Sharon Byers, chief development and marketing officer, American Cancer Society. “With these schools and the many other sports partners who support our work, we’re revolutionizing how the American Cancer Society teams up with partners to make a real difference for real people every day.”
The 3-Point Challenge will pit teams against rival schools to raise the most funds, as fans follow the leader board on http://www.3pointchallenge.org to see who will become the 3-Point Challenge Champion.
More than 20 years ago, former University of Missouri head basketball coach Norm Stewart provided the vision and inspiration for Coaches vs. Cancer. A cancer survivor and National Association of Basketball Coaches member, he challenged fans to pledge a dollar amount for each 3-point shot his team made during the season. This 3-Point Attack concept evolved into the nationwide effort uniting coaches, fans, players, and communities in the fight against cancer, and is now known as, the 3-Point Challenge. To learn more about Coaches vs. Cancer, visit coachesvscancer.org.
About Coaches vs. Cancer
Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. This initiative leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Since 1993, coaches have raised more than $100 million for the American Cancer Society.