UNITY — The Unity Composite High School Warriors senior girls’ basketball team held their first pink game in 2015, getting a sponsor to purchase pink jerseys for the team as well as holding a bake sale to raise money for breast cancer.
The team wanted to expand their efforts in 2016. On the opening night of their home tournament, Feb. 26, the senior girl Warriors faced off against the senior boys for a pink game.
Each team member baked treats to sell at the game to kick-start the fundraising efforts. Sponsorship from Crop Production Services allowed the creation of black T-shirts emblazoned with “JUST CURE IT” in pink. All profit from T-shirt sales went to the fundraising initiative. There was also a basketball cake raffle, courtesy of Marina Gampe’s grandma.
Team member Marina explained, “All of the funds we raise for this event are donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Society. Our team has put a lot of planning and organizing into this tournament and we are over the moon excited for the great turnout. And we are proud to be raising awareness and funds through our favourite sport.”
The same night, the school hosted a dance with a pink theme.
Many in the crowd were wearing pink. Even Coach Matt Poirier got in the spirit by allowing the girls to put plenty of pink sparkle in his beard for the game.
A Facebook response to the catchy slogan on T-shirts the team was selling aptly stated, “Today is Pink Day at school, not pink shirt day, but it is a day against bullying in its own way. It is a way to say no to the biggest bully of all, cancer.”
Even if you knew nothing about basketball, the game offered plenty of entertainment value. Trick shots, trick plays, a little hot-dogging and showmanship and a lot of laughter were all part of the experience. CPS representatives, dads of two of the players, came on court and schooled the boys’ team on shooting hoops.
One of the more heart-warming moments of the night was having students light up when they saw Warriors player Caitlin Ireland be supported on the sidelines by brother Dawson who had just returned home from the hospital after a serious accident.
Another player, graduating student Sharlee Zazalak, beamed the entire game, having mom Helena Long on the sidelines. Long is currently going through breast cancer treatment. A giant, warm appreciative hug was shared between the two following the game. The game showed its true significance in that moment.
