Middle Tennessee State University’s men’s basketball game Saturday, Jan. 23, against the visiting Rice Owls will support the American Cancer Society as part of the “Coaches vs. Cancer” program.

The 5 p.m. game will help raise awareness of the fight against cancer and demonstrate support for the society and its mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.

Funds raised at the game will go toward the total raised this year by the Relay For Life of Middle Tennessee State University. For more information or to donate, visit relayforlife.org/mtsu.

For game tickets, visit goblueraiders.com or call 615-898-2103 locally or dial toll free 1-888-YES-MTSU.

Fans are encouraged to wear purple in honor of those fighting cancer and in memory of loved ones lost to the disease.

MTSU alumnus and cancer survivor Wesley Taylor of Murfeesboro will lead the honorary tip-off. Follow the event on Twitter at #mtsucoachesvcancer.

Students from the Relay organizing committee will join MTSU cheerleaders to “storm the stands” at halftime for a one-minute fundraising challenge. Paper “sneaker cutouts” will also be available in exchange for a donation.

“Fighting cancer is a team effort and no one should have to face this disease alone,” said Kermit Davis, coach of the Blue Raiders men’s basketball team.

“Cancer has touched so many of our nation’s basketball coaches, just like it may have touched you, your family or friends. I hope all fans will join me on Jan. 23 to support the work of the American Cancer Society.”

Kermit Davis

Coaches vs. Cancer is a nationwide collaborative between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches.

The initiative aims to increase cancer awareness, highlight the importance of nutrition and physical activity in reducing a person’s cancer risk, and promote the society’s free programs and services available to those facing cancer.

Advances in prevention, early detection and treatment have contributed to a drop of more than 20 percent in cancer mortality rate in the past two decades, helping prevent more than 1.5 million cancer deaths that were projected to occur under previous rates.

MTSU will hold its annual Relay For Life celebration to benefit the American Cancer Society from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on April 8. Cancer information and support is available 24 hours a day by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

Since its inception in 1993, the American Cancer Society Coaches vs. Cancer initiative has raised nearly $100 million to support the Society’s mission.

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2.5 million volunteers saving lives and fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the society’s efforts have contributed to a 22 percent decline in cancer death rates in the United States since 1991 and a 50 percent drop in smoking rates.

For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call anytime at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

In this 2014 file photo, MTSU men’s basketball head coach Kermit Davis gives instructions from the sidelines during a game again Rice University at Murphy Center. (MTSU file photo by J. Intintoli)