Game for the Cure keeps on giving
December 6, 2010
Inspired by the Canadian women’s national team’s Game for the Cure in September 2009, Nicola McIlrick founded the “Game for the Cure: Tri-Cities” to continue field hockey’s support for cancer research in British Columbia.
The event, which took place in 2009 and 2010, pits a high school All-Star team against the local Division 1 & 2 Women’s Team. Local high school coaches nominate three players from their team as All-Stars, and the two teams battle it out.
“The summer before I began organizing the Game, my grandpa died of a condition that, had he lived longer, would have progressed to cancer,” said Nicola. “The support and enthusiasm I received by bringing the National Team’s event down to the grassroots level was overwhelming, most likely because other people had been touched by a similar experience.”
Admission to the event is free, but a $20 donation wins you a pink wristband and tennis ball to be tossed at halftime. While the Game is being played, spectators can bid on raffle tickets for a new stick, or grab a cup of Starbuck’s coffee from the concession. At halftime, everyone lines up on the sidelines for the pink tennis ball toss. The winner receives a National Team autographed pink jersey. Second and third place are also awarded signed Team Canada jerseys.
As an added incentive for the local high schools to raise funds, the school who raises the most win a practice coached by the Canadian Women’s National Team. In 2009 Port Moody Secondary won a practice coached by Steph Jameson, Katie Collison, Kate Gillis, Azelia Liu, Krissy Wishart, Michelle Weber, and Marian Dickinson. This year’s challenge is still up for grabs.
The 2010 game took place on Sunday, November 21st in Coquitlam. The Opening Ceremonies were led by national team members Kate Gillis and Tyla Flexman. Several other national players were also on hand to support the event.
Thus far; the Game For The Cure: Tri-Cities 2009 and 2010 has raised over $5,500 for cancer research. Donations are still being accepted following this year’s game. The deadline is December 10, 2010. Donations can be made online at http://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/gameforthecuretricities .
