Game On! Assisting Local Athletics

By JOSEPH RUSSELL, Messenger-Inquirer

When Owensboro Health officials considered ways to connect with and reach the local community, one method made sense almost immediately: Athletics.

As part of its Game On! sponsorship initiative, the healthcare provider donated more than $32,000 to 19 high school athletic programs throughout the region during high school football and basketball games in 2023-24 — and OH representatives are looking at continuing their efforts at “about a dozen” high school basketball games in January and February.

Since its inception, the program has been a massive hit.

“It started with our president, Mark Marsh, really having the idea that we would get involved with local athletics at the high school level,” said Owensboro Health Director of Marketing Brian Hamby. “He wanted to have that connection with local schools and connect with them and thought it was very positive for Owensboro Health to be visible and involved in that way as part of our overall community-minded focus. That’s part of Mark’s DNA and Owensboro Health’s DNA.”

And, of course, there’s plenty of excitement for those in attendance.

During select football games, students are selected to participate in kick-pass-punt challenges at halftime for a chance to win prizes. During basketball, students compete in a fast-paced shooting challenge that’s capped off by a heave from halfcourt. Each participant receives a $100 gift card, with the competition winner earning a $500 check.

In 2023-24, OH awarded an additional $14,000 in total prize money.

“We just want to bring a spirit of service and fun to the ball games and also involve our team members,” Hamby continued, noting that OH representatives also throw out T-shirts to the crowd during breaks in the action. “Our team members can show up and be a part of it, tossing out footballs or basketballs to the crowd. It’s really been a lot of fun, and it’s been a cool thing to do. A lot of our team members are graduates of these local schools, so they like to get out to these games.

“It’s important to note we’re investing in these athletic programs as well. When we do games, there’s always sponsorship involved, and the athletic departments are represented. It’s a show of support for all of our local athletes.”

“We have had so much positive feedback,” Hamby said. “We work directly with all of the athletic directors. They always talk about how much fun it is. Some of them use it as a pep rally, and the students seem to love it — they clamor for the chance to take those shots, so that’s a lot of fun. We’ve had people attempt to buy the balls we throw out, and we see a lot of the T-shirts worn out in the community.

“It’s just another way to show that side of Owensboro Health. We’re about healthcare, but we’re also about stronger communities and positive values.”