SOUTH BEND – The American Heart Association is once again partnering with Mike Brey, head coach of the men’s basketball team at the University of Notre Dame, for the fifth annual “Tip-Off for Heart” event on Wednesday, April 12, from 3:15-8:30 p.m. at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on the campus of Notre Dame.

The event is part of the local “Men of Heart” initiative, aimed at raising awareness surrounding men’s heart health. Heart disease is the nation’s No. 1 killer and it is essential that men know their risk and take action before it’s too late. In the past five years, the initiative has raised over $320,000 to fund research and community programs locally.

A good diet, physical activity and lifestyle play big roles in maintaining a healthy heart.  “Tip-Off for Heart” will give participants a low impact, hands-on experience, while learning about nutrition, heart risk factors, tips on getting active, and the game of basketball. The event will conclude with dinner and discussion in Club Naimoli with Coach Brey.

“I am thrilled to continue the partnership we’ve built with the American Heart Association over the past five years,” says coach Brey. “Our coaches and support staff look forward each year to ‘Tip-Off for Heart.’ We enjoy working with men from local organizations while sharing tips on how to maintain a healthy heart and lifestyle and, of course, talking Notre Dame basketball.”

Local companies in the Michiana area will form teams and participate in this year’s “Tip-Off for Heart” experience. The event is a mix of fantasy camp, wellness education and team building. Participants will receive a blood pressure screening, Under Armour apparel, dinner by Ruth’s Chris in Club Naimoli, and a behind the scenes Notre Dame basketball experience.

Teams will cycle through five breakout clinics that will focus on nutrition, heart risk factors, Notre Dame scouting, basketball skill work and Notre Dame Basketball drills, where they will run the same drills as the college players.

The event will conclude with a networking reception, silent auction featuring sports experiences and memorabilia, and a heart healthy dinner provided by Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Club Naimoli. Coach Brey will hold a team-building discussion and talk about his support of the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association. Participants will have photo opportunities with coach Brey. For more information, please contact Laura Guy at (574) 274-1783 or email at [email protected].