KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Wizards and Heartland Spine & Specialty Hospital have renewed their partnership through the 2006 Major League Soccer Season. The partnership includes healthcare services provided to Wizards players and marketing opportunities for the hospital to reach thousands of soccer fans at Wizards home games and in the community.
The partnership renewal comes just days after Wizards Founder Lamar Hunt announced that the Wizards would remain in Kansas City for the 2006 season, as the sale process of the team continues. Located at I-435 & Nall in Overland Park, Heartland Spine & Specialty Hospital (HSSH) was a supporter of the Wizards during the 2004 U.S. Open Cup Championship season and again in 2005 as the Wizards challenged for a spot in the Major League Soccer Playoffs.
"Metro area residents are fortunate to have this world class healthcare facility located in Kansas City, and the Wizards have greatly benefited from medical services provided to our players over the past two seasons," said Wizards General manager Curt Johnson. "We are very pleased to continue the relationship into the 2006 season."
The relationship provides the opportunity for Heartland Spine & Specialty Hospital to have athletes as spokespeople that have directly benefited from their healthcare services. Wizards midfielder Jack Jewsbury had shoulder surgery at HSSH prior to the 2005 season, went through rehab and returned to the Wizards line up in time for the 2005 season.
"It was great not only to have Jack Jewsbury featured in our print advertising last season, but also to have him participate in our community blood drive event at the hospital made a great impression on the medical staff, patients and Wizards fans that contributed" added Mary Nan Holley, CEO of Heartland Spine & Specialty Hospital.
