community focus and volunteerism

Indiana and Michigan high schools fight back through Coaches vs. Cancer
Since 1993, more than 500 coaches have fought cancer on the basketball court through Coaches vs. Cancer. This program is a joint effort by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches that empowers basketball coaches, their teams, and communities to join in the fight against cancer.

Participating coaches have raised nearly $40 million through the Coaches vs. Cancer program to help ACS fund groundbreaking cancer research, provide up-to-date cancer information and education, advocate for public health policies that benefit the community, and provide free programs that improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

The program leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to raise awareness and support for the American Cancer Society’s mission. Specifically, coaches:

• Host fundraising events such as tip-off breakfasts, galas and local golf events;
• Promote healthy lifestyle and cancer prevention messages to youth attending their summer basketball camps and when making community appearances; and
• Seek pledges from individuals and businesses to benefit the Society’s lifesaving work.
  

Support for Coaches vs. Cancer has typically been at the collegiate level, but this year high schools are getting involved as well. In the Great Lakes Division, both the Indiana Basketball Coaching Association (IBCA) and the Basketball Coaching Association of Michigan (BCAM) are implementing strategies to get high school coaches involved. Currently the Division has more than 160 high schools participating in Coaches vs. Cancer, and they have raised more than $60,000 for the fight against cancer.

Coaches vs. Cancer high school fundraising activities vary. Some of the high schools have coaches and players wear pink socks or tennis shoes, while other schools have players wear game shoes with their shirts, ties, and dress-pants to collect donations. Silent auctions are held, and some schools donate $1 from every ticket purchase to the American Cancer Society.

The Indiana Basketball Coaches Association designated January as Coaches vs. Cancer month for high school basketball in Indiana. "We asked boys’ and girls’ coaches to pick a game during that month to collect donations," said Steve Witty, Executive Director of IBCA.

In Michigan, high school coaches and coaching staff were encouraged to wear sneakers with their suits at games held between January 28 and February 1 to show support for the Coaches vs. Cancer program.

"By simply wearing sneakers with my game attire, I can serve as a role model in communicating this important message to our fans and community," said Coach Mike Maciejewski of Bay City, Michigan. "This is the first time that Coaches vs. Cancer has come to the area and I’m proud to be the start of something great."

Whether you’re a coach or a dedicated fan, you can turn your love for basketball into a lifesaving cause by getting involved with Coaches vs. Cancer. Learn more at www.cancer.org/coaches or call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.