Bowling Green State University Athletics
BGSU Women's Basketball Set to `THINK PINK' and Celebrate Women in Sports
February 14, 2008 | General
Feb. 14, 2008
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - When the BGSU Women's Basketball team plays host to Eastern Michigan this Saturday, February 16, they'll be thinking about more than a crucial, cross-divisional conference showdown. Festivities surrounding the game will be tied to the team's participation in "Think Pink Week" (February 8-17, 2008), a global, unified effort to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. In addition, the Falcons have invited back over 700 female letterwinners of the past and young women from local school districts throughout Northwest Ohio in their annual celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day.
Launched last season by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), the "Think Pink" initiative saw participation from more than 120 schools in 2007 to make its inaugural year a success. More than 900 schools at the High School, Community/Junior College, NAIA, Division III, Division II and Division I levels make up the list of participants in 2008.
"We are excited to participate in the `Think Pink' initiative. The women's basketball community is working hard nationally to continue to raise awareness about breast cancer and those affected by it," said head women's basketball coach Curt Miller. "I sincerely encourage our fans to come to the game wearing their pink and not only show their support for the outstanding women of the BGSU basketball team, but also support such a worthy cause."
The 22nd Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) officially took place across the nation on Wednesday, February 6, 2008, but will be celebrated throughout the month of February by participating schools. Since its inception in 1987, NGWSD has been celebrated annually in all 50 states to recognize the achievements and encourage the participation of girls and women in sports. Originally founded in honor of Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman in recognition of her athletic prowess and her tireless work to advance equality for women in sports, NGWSD has since evolved into a day to acknowledge past and present athletic achievements, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports. This year's theme of "All In!" emphasizes the NGWSD shared vision of equal athletic opportunities for all girls and women - regardless of age, physical disability, socioeconomics or race.
"The program is also excited that we will not only spread the `Think Pink' message but will also celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day. BGSU is proud of our tradition and we look forward to having many former, and hopefully future, Falcons cheering us on Saturday."
Working in conjunction with local branches of the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, BGSU Athletics will have a variety of promotional elements in place at Saturday's game. Pink ribbon stickers will be distributed to fans upon entry into Anderson Arena, complimentary game programs will feature statistics and roster sheet inserts printed on pink paper, pink shirts and frisbees will be tossed into the crowd during timeouts, the coaches for both teams and game staff will be wearing pink ribbon buttons, and the referees will be using pink whistles. To top it all off, the BGSU women's basketball players will compete in shoes tied with pink shoelaces.
Participation in "Think Pink Week" is particularly important to BGSU Athletics Senior Associate Athletic Director and Women's Basketball Sport Coordinator Janna Blais. "Think Pink is an especially important cause to me and my family. Raising awareness for breast cancer is essential to increasing the survival rate for those affected with the disease. The "Think Pink" campaign is a wonderful way to raise both funds and awareness. Because of increased awareness and a really great physician, I am truly thankful to be able to say that my mom is a breast cancer survivor. I am proud that our women's basketball program has chosen to join forces with more than 900 other institutions in the fight to find a cure."
The game is the nightcap of a Men's/Women's doubleheader. Tickets are still available online at BGSUFALCONS.COM or by calling 877-BGSU TICKET.
