Wellmark, ISU Cyclones 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 State Cyclones have generated nearly $108,000 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 Cyclones’ 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 just under $18,000 annually — were allocated to the city of Ames to improve various public facilities and provide members of the community new opportunities to pursue a healthier lifestyle.
“Funding from Wellmark’s 3-Point Play program has allowed us to purchase fitness equipment and create programs at the downtown Community Center,” said Keith Abraham, director, Ames Parks and Recreation. “The new additions to the Center will continue to enhance the lives of our residents for years to come.”
Past projects in the area funded through Wellmark 3-Point Play include the purchase of cardiovascular and weight equipment like treadmills, elliptical trainers and hand weights, new outdoor fitness equipment and improvements for senior citizen access to the downtown Community Center.
Expansion planned for 2016-17 season
Beginning this year, fans now have the opportunity to help determine the Iowa community who benefits from the proceeds generated by Cyclone “3s.” From now until the conclusion of the men’s basketball season in early 2017, fans can text “ISU” 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 Iowa State University look to spread the benefit of the program’s trail, park and playground funding to additional communities throughout the state.
“After successful seasons of helping Iowans eat right, move more, and feel better, in partnership with Ames Parks and Recreation, we’re excited to expand the program as part of our vision to develop more healthy hometowns,” said Chris Verlengia, Wellmark sponsorship manager. “This sponsorship continues to do great things for our state, and we’re looking forward to another successful season cheering on the Cyclones.”
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.
