Spartans Support Think Pink Week

<?xml:namespace prefix="st1" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags"?>San JoseState is pleased to partner with the Bay Area chapter of the American Cancer Society for Think Pink week and to raise awareness for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. <?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

The "Think Pink" initiative is a global, unified effort for the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s (WBCA) nation of coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond.

"The WBCA is very excited to promote an initiative that touches all levels of our membership and unifies them for such a great cause," said WBCA CEO Beth Bass. "It has been remarkable to watch the support of this initiative grow from 120 teams last year to over 900 teams from a variety for sports for 2008. With the help of each of our members, the women's basketball community and beyond can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer."

The "Think Pink" initiative has also crossed over to other sports, including swimming and diving, gymnastics, tennis and men's basketball.

On Thursday night, the Spartan women’s basketball team hosts UtahStateUniversity in a 7:00 p.m. contest at The Event Center. Head coach Pam DeCosta and her staff will wear pink in support of the event and the team will also have a portion of their uniforms in pink as well. On Saturday, February 16, Spartan gymnastics hosts Southern Utah and will wear pink leotards in support of the event.

Special ticket prices for women’s basketball include $5 tickets for anyone wearing pink and gymnastics tickets will be available for $3 to anyone wearing pink.

Making Strides is the American Cancer Society’s premiere breast cancer event that takes place every fall.  It is a five-mile non-competitive walk that raises money and awareness to help in the fight against breast cancer through research, advocacy, education, and patient services. 

Thanks to the help of San Jose State students, staff and supporters the 2007 Bay Area event raised $1.6 million, and in 2008, Making Strides is holding its first ever walk in San Jose.  To learn more about Making Strides and everything the American Cancer Society is doing for you, please visit our website at www.cancer.org.