TOPSHAM, Maine — While the intensity level will be as high as ever on the court, local high school basketball teams will next week come together as one off the court to battle a common opponent: Cancer.
Boys and girls programs from the Big East Conference have teamed up with the American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer initiative.
From Jan. 25-31, several schools will take part in “Suits and Sneakers Awareness Week” and other activities that will raise funds for and awareness of the American Cancer Society’s life-saving mission.
Suits and Sneakers Awareness Week is a nationwide event that encourages basketball coaches and their staff to wear sneakers to raise awareness about the fight against cancer, highlight the importance of nutrition and physical activity in reducing a person’s cancer risk, and promote the American Cancer Society’s free programs and services available to those facing cancer.
John Bapst Memorial High School boys coach and athletic director Rick Sinclair has represented the Big East Conference in working closely with the American Cancer Society’s Maine-based staff to plan this partnership.
Sinclair’s father was diagnosed recently with cancer, so his desire to help the American Cancer Society is a personal one.
“The fight against cancer has a little more personal reason for me of late with my father’s recent diagnosis, but everyone has a personal reason to fight for this cause. The conference is happy to do their part to raise awareness and join the battle to fight this disease,” Sinclair said.
Participating schools will plan and implement their unique awareness and fundraising campaigns and activities at home games. Proceeds will go toward American Cancer Society-funded research and free services offered to cancer patients, like rides to and from cancer treatments, lodging for cancer patients and their caregivers who must travel a great distance for life-saving treatment and free 24-7 expert cancer advice available 365 days a year at cancer.org and 800-227-2345.
The public is invited to support their local student-athletes and the American Cancer Society.