BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Making 3-point shots this basketball season has taken on additional meaning our basketball programs here at BSU this season. The BEARS are using their spotlight on the court to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society as a part of the national Coaches vs. Cancer 3-Point Challenge.
More than 20 years ago, Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri's men's basketball program, cancer survivor, and member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, provided the vision and inspiration to create Coaches vs. Cancer. He challenged fans to pledge a dollar amount for every 3-Point shot made by his team during the season. The concept, then called the 3-Point Attack, evolved into a nationwide effort uniting coaches, fans, players, and communities across the country to assist in the fight against cancer.
In 2018-19, Coaches vs. Cancer enters its third year of the revamped nationwide program called the Coaches vs. Cancer 3-Point Challenge. Fans can join Bridgewater State's campaign, be part of the excitement and donate for every 3-point shot made by visiting https://pledgeit.org/matchup/cvc19-bridgewater-state. Teams can be matched up against their rival schools to see who can raise the most funds from their 3-point shots, and fans can follow the leaderboard to see who will become the 3-Point Challenge Champion.
Through this online platform, created by PledgeIt, basketball fans anywhere can donate funds to help the American Cancer Society save lives. Funds raised will support the Society's mission to help ensure that lifesaving cancer research continues to get funded, and people facing cancer have the help they need.
The Penn State men's basketball team won the inaugural 3-Point Challenge in 2017, while the University of Florida men's basketball team took home 3-Point Challenge champion honors in 2018.
About Coaches vs. Cancer
Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). 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 $115 million for the American Cancer Society.