Miami, Oklahoma – Thursday, Jan. 30, 2014 – The Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO), Lady Norse Basketball team will host its annual Pink game on Monday, Feb. 17, 2014 at 6 p.m. against Eastern. This year’s theme is “Keep Calm and Shoot for the Cure.” This game is part of a nation-wide breast cancer awareness event and is sponsored by Freeman Health Care Systems and Integris Baptist Regional. Individuals who wear pink to the game will get in free. The NEO athletic department is selling pink tee shirts for $5 that read, “Keep Calm and Shoot for the Cure.” The proceeds benefit students who cannot afford mammograms.
NEO Athletics and NEO Women & Friends have partnered together again to host the bra decorating contest. The winner will be announced at halftime of the men’s game.
“The purpose of the bra decorating contest is to increase awareness of breast cancer in a fun way, and to raise more financial support for this very worthy cause,” said Donna Hale, first lady of NEO. “Our clubs and organizations do a great job getting involved, and this year I am pleased to say that our event is reaching out into the community. We have more than 10 area businesses signed up to participate with a decorated bra. This means even more awareness for this very worthy cause, and it also makes the competition a little tougher. We are really looking forward to seeing all the creations.”
Area businesses who signed up to compete include: The Coffee Table, Indulgence Salon, Salon 504, Buffalo Run Casino, Arvest Bank, Osborn Drugs, Integris Gift Shop, B. Oliver’s, Metal Fab, Wyandotte Nation, and First National Bank.
The bras will be on display at the game, and everyone is encouraged to vote for their favorite bra by donating money. These proceeds will also fund mammograms for NEO students who do not have insurance. Breast cancer victims have a 90 percent survival rate if detected early.
“This is an annual event for us, and to have the support of our community just makes it even more special,” said Jim Rowland, head coach for the Lady Norse. “Sadly this is a disease that attacks women of all ages and races. Almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer. I hope everyone will come out and support this cause.”
The NEO Lady Norse started this event in 2007 as part of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association to honor Sandra “Kay” Yow. In 1987, Yow, head coach of the North Carolina State Wolfpack women’s basketball team, was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 1988, Yow coached the US Women’s basketball team to an Olympic gold medal. Yow was inducted into the Women’s basketball Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. On July 11, 2007, Yow received the inaugural Jimmy V ESPY Award for Perseverance. At the time of her death in 2009, she ranked the fifth winningest active NCAA Division I women’s basketball coach. NEO Lady Norse is proud to honor this accomplished coach.
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