The Arizona Coyotes and Value-Base Care (VBC) leader Equality Health announced a new partnership focused on creating a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Arizona while growing the game of hockey. As part of the agreement, Equality Health will serve as the “Official Partner of the Arizona Coyotes and the Arizona Coyotes Street Hockey League.
“We are very excited to partner with Equality Health to strengthen our impact in the Valley community,” said Coyotes President & CEO Xavier A. Gutierrez. “The Coyotes and Equality Health are committed to investing in our youth and improving the accessibility and inclusivity of our great sport. We look forward to providing Valley kids with an opportunity to learn and play the game of street hockey while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.”
“We are thrilled to forge this trailblazing partnership with the Arizona Coyotes,” said Hugh Lytle, Founder and CEO of Equality Health. “Healthy communities begin with social connections and an active lifestyle. Helping make hockey accessible to Hispanic and minority communities and everyone in the Valley underscores Equality Health’s commitment to leveling the playing field so people can live longer and healthier lives.”
The Coyotes Street Hockey League is a Phoenix metro-wide ball hockey league designed to provide kids with an easier entry point into the sport of hockey. The 10-week program which is currently running in Gilbert, AZ, will be launched in Scottsdale and other Phoenix metro cities beginning this season. As part of the program, Equality Health and the Coyotes will help schools organize street hockey leagues, and provide schools with rinks, apparel, equipment, sticks and hockey balls, as well as promotional items for giveaways.
In addition, Equality Health will sponsor the Coyotes “Raise the Pack Physical Education Curriculum” program. This program, run by the Coyotes Hockey Development department, will hold clinics during physical education classes at schools across the metro, including South-Central Phoenix schools, from August through May. The program will educate over 10,000 students about the game of hockey and provide them with an opportunity to play a new sport.
The Coyotes and Equality Health Foundation will also introduce the “Equality Health Champions” recognition program this year. Throughout the Coyotes 2023-24 regular season, four different “playmakers” in the local community will be identified, highlighted, and recognized for advancing health and well-being in diverse, underserved communities during Coyotes games at Mullett Arena.
As a result of the partnership, the Coyotes will also support the “Festival De La Salud” healthy fall festival, run annually by the Equality Health Foundation in November. Through this local community event, the Coyotes and Equality Health will support health education and screenings, community resource connections, distribute fresh produce, and donate 1,000 turkeys to families in need over the Thanksgiving holiday.
