The BYU basketball team is participating in the Coaches vs Cancer 3-Point Challenge to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Fans can pledge a dollar amount for every 3-point shot made by the BYU men’s basketball team in February. The proceeds from the challenge support cancer research, education, and patient programs.
Many college teams take part in the challenge which makes for a productive, friendly competition.
“The 3-Point Challenge gives basketball fans the chance to support their teams and compete against their rivals, while fundraising for a great cause,” said Vice President for Strategic Sports Alliances of the American Cancer Society David Doan. “We are excited to relaunch a fundraising program that started it all, now in the digital space, while staying true to what drives sports fans — competition.”
Cougar fans can keep track of how many 3-pointers the team makes, how much money is raised, and how BYU stacks up against the competition on the leaderboard on the 3-point challenge website.
BYU basketball fans have a tradition of passionate support and were ranked No. 21 nationally by Bleacher Report in fan loyalty. The American Cancer Society hopes to capitalize on enthusiastic fans to fuel the fight against cancer.
“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 Chief Development and Marketing Officer for the American Cancer Society Sharon Byers. “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.”
Coaches vs Cancer is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Since 1993, Coaches vs Cancer has helped raise over $100 million for the American Cancer Society.
The fight against cancer hits close to home for the BYU basketball team. Head coach Dave Rose had his own battle with the disease as he has gone through treatment and surgeries since his diagnosis for pancreatic cancer in 2009.
In 2010 BYU was selected by Nike in the Suits and Sneakers campaign to help the American Cancer Society. When asked to participate, Rose made it clear that the team would help the cause.
“We feel privileged that Nike has chosen us to help bring awareness to the Coaches vs Cancer Suits and Sneakers cause,” Rose said. “We’ll do anything we can to aide in the fight against this terrible disease.”
So far this season BYU is averaging just over 19 3-point attempts per game which means the Cougars could raise a large sum of money in February if they heat up from downtown.
Over 200 college and high school basketball teams are participating in the 3-Point Challenge nationally; other teams in Utah include Westminster College and the University of Utah.
BYU is tied for 156th out of 351 college basketball teams with 145 3-pointers made to date.
