02/10/2009
Women's Basketball Combats Breast Cancer in Saturday's 'Pink Zone' Campaign

WORCESTER, MASS. 2/7/09 - Valentine's Day traditions usually include gift exchange, candy and love notes, and the Clark University women's basketball team does not intend to deviate from this script. This Saturday, the Kneller Athletic Center will become its own pink oasis when the Cougars take on Springfield College (1 p.m.) and present its "Love Your Life" plight designed to raise awareness for breast cancer.

Nationally known as the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) "Pink Zone," Clark, along with over 800 institutions across the country, will encourage fans to wear pink to games designated the week of February 13-22, in an effort to support those affected by breast cancer.

On Saturday, Clark fans should come prepared to feel the love and leave with their hands full. The gift exchange will come in the form of free pink t-shirts for the first 100 Clark students. No need to worry if the freebies are gone in a hurry. Members of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) will hold a few aside to throw in the stands for every made Clark three-pointer.

Additionally, everyone will receive a raffle ticket and two lucky winners will walk away with a breast cancer tote bag complete with Clark goodies donated by the University's Human Resources department, Clark athletic teams and the Cougar Pride Committee. Five students will also be called for their chance to win a free 37 inch television with a half-court shot.

Candy is always a bonus on Valentines Day, and heart-shaped lollipops will be given to satisfy the sweet-tooth, along with a love note of breast cancer facts and stats.

Leading the charge to save lives, SAAC, with the support of Cougar Pride, purchased 200 "Hope, Faith, Love" pink silicone bracelets from the Breast Cancer Site, which funded six percent of a mammogram. Those bracelets will also be handed out at the door for a suggested donation. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund and to the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative by way of the Cathy D'Apice Memorial Tournament, a fundraising event for breast cancer research, this spring. The Clark women's volleyball team competes in the tournament annually. Both Yow, the North Carolina State University head women's basketball coach, and D'Apice, a collegiate New England volleyball player, lost their battle with breast cancer in 2009 and 1992, respectively.

So, make the most of this Valentine's Day. Support the Cougars and the fight against cancer at Saturday's contest. Doors open at 12:15 p.m. Free admission to all fans wearing pink.

This event is sponsored by the Cougar Pride Committee and the Human Resources Department.