Wellmark, Iowa Hawkeyes team up for a healthier Iowa 3-Point Play sponsorship enters seventh year of funding well-being projects
DES MOINES, Iowa— With the help of dozens of field goals and thousands of 3-point baskets since 2010, the Iowa Hawkeyes have generated more than $98,000 to support area health projects in partnership with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield through the company’s 3-Point Play program.
As part of the program, Wellmark contributes $300 for every field goal during the Hawkeyes’ football season and $20 for each 3-pointer throughout the men’s and women’s basketball seasons to advance unfunded or underfunded wellness initiatives.
Throughout the past six years, those donations — averaging over $16,000 annually — were allocated to the City of Iowa City to improve various public facilities and enable members of the community to pursue a healthier lifestyle.
“The donations from 3-Point Play have given us the ability to fund projects in various locations and for all ages,” said Chad Dyson, recreation superintendent, Iowa City Recreation Division. “We now have the flexibility to look at new initiatives and take on projects that reach a broad spectrum of our community.”
Other notable projects funded through Wellmark 3-point Play in the community include the installation of elementary-age exercise equipment for a new youth and toddler fitness program, improvements to the Mercer Park Recreation Center and Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, and innovative equipment such as the Lightspace and Aquaclimb wall.
Expansion planned for 2016-17 season
Starting this year, fans have the opportunity to help determine the community that benefits from the proceeds generated by Hawkeye “3s.” From now until the end of the men’s basketball season in early 2017, fans can text “IOWA” to 97063 or visit www.wellmark3pointplay.com External Site to nominate their Iowa hometown for a chance to win. The change comes as Wellmark and the University of Iowa look to spread the benefit of the program’s trail, park and playground funding to additional communities throughout the state.
“After six seasons of helping Iowans eat right, move more, and feel better, in partnership with the Iowa City Recreation Division, we’re excited to expand the program as part of our vision to develop more healthy hometowns,” said Chris Verlengia, Wellmark sponsorship manager. “This innovative sponsorship continues to do great things for our state, and we’re looking forward to another successful season cheering on the Hawkeyes.”
To learn more about the Wellmark 3-Point Play program, and to nominate an Iowa hometown to win this season’s health project funding, visit www.wellmark3pointplay.com External Site.
