Wellpoint (formerly UniCare) is partnering with Boston Bruins Center Charlie Coyle and sports equipment leader Franklin Sports to educate youth about the many benefits playing sports can have on their mental health by encouraging social connections, teaching teamwork, and building self-esteem.

At a skate held in Stoneham on September 14 for kids and first responders with Coyle, Wellpoint and Franklin Sports presented $15,000 in Franklin Sports gift cards to 15 Massachusetts communities to purchase youth sports equipment, including $1,000 for the City of Somerville.

“Wellpoint works tirelessly to support our members’ whole health – their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Partnering with Charlie Coyle and first responders across the state to encourage families and kids to care for their mental health and to engage in physical activity is just one of the many ways we strive to advance better health outcomes for the people and communities we serve,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “Thank you to Charlie Coyle, Franklin Sports, and all of our campaign partners for joining with us to remind everyone that mental health is health and to take control of their health.”

“Growing up in Weymouth, I have many friends and family who’ve taken the oath to protect and serve their communities as first responders. Having played sports my entire life – from youth sports to the pros – I know and appreciate the positive impact physical activity can have on children’s mental health by reducing stress, creating social connections, teaching teamwork, and building self-esteem. It’s an honor to continue my relationship with the Face-Offs for First Responders campaign to highlight to kids, first responders, and everyone about the importance of taking care of their mental health,” said Charlie Coyle, Boston Bruins Center.

“Franklin Sports is proud to be a partner of this year’s Face-Offs for First Responders Program,” said Eve Stire, Brand Partnerships Manager at Franklin Sports. “At Franklin, we believe that sports make life better, so to be involved in a program that emphasizes the importance of both mental and physical health, as well as establishes social connections for our youth, is incredibly rewarding. Furthermore, we’re thrilled to be able to support the hockey community in our own backyard and get kids moving, playing, and competing!”

The following Massachusetts communities will receive $1,000 each in Franklin Sports gift cards to purchase youth sports equipment: Framingham, Haverhill, Hingham, Lawrence, Lexington, Lowell, Lynnfield, North Andover, Salem, Somerville, Springfield, Stoneham, Wakefield, Weston, and Weymouth.

As part of its Face-Offs for First Responders campaign, earlier this year Wellpoint partnered with Coyle, Athlete-Driven Worldwide, 98.5 The Sports Hub Bruins Radio Network, the State Police Association of Massachusetts (SPAM), the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM), the New England Police Benevolent Association, and the Springfield Police Supervisors Association to raise awareness about the mental health resources available to first responders. For more information about Face-Offs for First Responders, visit 985thesportshub.com/firstresponders.