Sandford Health to Renew Partnership with Timberwolves

Minneapolis/St. Paul – The Minnesota Timberwolves and Sanford Health today announced a continuation of their corporate partnership, highlighted by Sanford serving as the presenting sponsor of the Wolves' Oct. 23 preseason game at the Sioux Falls Arena. The Timberwolves' relationship with Sanford Health, which began last season, will also feature a continuation of the Shoot for the Cure initiative in which the Wolves will donate $10 for every three-pointer the team makes this season to benefit The Sanford Project, which is dedicated to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes (also known as juvenile diabetes).

"We're thrilled to extend our relationship with Sanford," said Ethan Casson, Timberwolves Sr. Vice President of Corporate Sales and Service. "Our entire organization is inspired by the great work Sanford Health continues to do, particularly in regards to diabetes research, and we look forward to doing all we can to help them reach their goals while also bringing the Timberwolves brand to the passionate fans in Sioux Falls."

“Through The Sanford Project, we are working diligently to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes,” said Mark Elliott, Vice President of Marketing and Planning for Sanford Health. “The Shoot for the Cure is one example of the tremendous support we are receiving in this journey to end juvenile diabetes. We’re proud to work with the Minnesota Timberwolves on this initiative and look forward to their preseason game in front of their Sioux Falls fans.”

The Timberwolves will host their final preseason game this fall, presented by Sanford Health, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 23 at the Sioux Falls Arena. Tickets for the matchup vs. Toronto will go on sale tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept. 2) at the Sioux Falls Arena box office, online at Ticketmaster.com or via phone at 1-800-4-NBA-TIX.

This year's game will mark the Timberwolves' fifth appearance in Sioux Falls, where they've compiled a 3-1 record in exhibition play. The Wolves first visited Sioux Falls during the inaugural 1989-90 season, and have maintained a strong relationship with the city since the franchise's inception. In 2006, the Sioux Falls Skyforce joined the NBA D-League and were assigned as the Wolves' affiliate, strengthening the basketball ties between Minnesota and Sioux Falls.

Sanford Health is the largest healthcare system between Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. and Denver, Colo. Sanford Health has served the 80,000 square mile, four-state region of South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska for over 110 years. Its divisions include Sanford USD Medical Center, Sanford Clinic, Sanford Health Network, Sanford Health Plan and Sanford Health Foundation. For more information, visit www.sanfordhealth.org.