BATON ROUGE – The annual Coaches vs. Cancer week is underway around the country and the LSU men’s basketball coaching staff will be wearing sneakers on the bench as part of the campaign sponsored each year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
The event unites coaches across the country to raise awareness about the American Cancer Society’s lifesaving mission, and promote the American Cancer Society as a place for help and support. While coaching games during the week, coaches wear sneakers with their game attire as a visible reminder about the importance of nutrition and physical activity in reducing cancer risk.
Also, LSU fans can actively participate during the month of February with the return of the Coaches vs. Cancer 3-Point Challenge. Fans can join the LSU campaign, be part of the excitement and donate for every 3-point shot made from Feb. 1-March 5 by visiting www.3pointchallenge.org.
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.
This is the program that is returning this year with fans donating for 3-pointers under the Coaches vs. Cancer 3-Point Challenge.
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 $100 million for the American Cancer Society.