Pink is no longer just a fashion statement at Binghamton University — the color is also being used to promote cancer awareness at sporting events.
Binghamton University’s women’s athletic teams, including volleyball, swimming and soccer, are hosting a campaign to promote breast cancer awareness and provide cancer education to students, faculty and the community.
“Educating people of all ages helps to spread awareness,” Director of Special Events for the American Cancer Society Gina Chapman said. “Even if you are not old enough to get a screening, being able to talk about breast cancer with family or friends makes a huge difference for the future.”
The University is partnering with the American Cancer Society in hopes of promoting early detection and screening.
According to Jason Siegel, senior associate athletic director at Binghamton, wearing pink clothing will help attract attention to the cause against cancer.
“People may ask why the team is not wearing the traditional school colors,” Siegel said.
Items such as swim towels, shoelaces and even hair ties are being used to celebrate and honor breast cancer survivors.
Glenn Kiriyama, the women’s volleyball coach, said the team participated in the “Pink Campaign” on Friday, Oct. 3, in the West Gym. During the warm-up before the match, the team sported pink tops.
“We hope it raises awareness of breast cancer and gives people an avenue to help out,” Kiriyama said before the match.
The women’s swim team also participated in the campaign on Saturday, Oct. 4, in the West Gym. The swim team wore caps with pink ribbons and the divers each had pink swim towels.
Sean Clark, Bearcats’ head swimming and diving coach, said that he believed an important aspect of the campaign is getting people to appreciate their support systems.
“It’s nice to recognize the good things in life,” Clark said. “We should cherish family, friends and loved ones while we have the opportunity.”
Clark said he has heard many stories of survival from his swim team.
“A number of my athletes have been touched by this disease in their families,” Clark said. “We would like to increase the number of survivors by increasing awareness.”
Amanda Decker, team leader for the women’s swim team, said she believes the campaign is a great way to kick off the season.
“It’s a message showing we are out there supporting breast cancer awareness,” Decker said, adding that talking about the issue helps bring people together.
“Knowing that other people have been affected as well lets people know they are not alone,” Decker said.
The men’s swim team also plans to contribute to the cause. The team won an overall athletic department team competition last year and received a financial reward. Instead of purchasing equipment or items for the locker room, the money was donated to the American Cancer Society.
Chapman said the campaign is helpful because students are seeing the message relayed through their peers.
“Students are more likely to respond to this message through the Pink Campaign than if they hear it on television or in the news,” Chapman said.
Siegel said he believes that cancer has touched everyone in one form or another.
“This is a terrific opportunity for everyone to band together to help fight these diseases by raising awareness,” Siegel said.
Interested students can come support the Pink Campaign on Thursday, Oct. 9, when the women’s soccer team plays Boston University. The campaign will raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer research programs and local patient and family service programs.
Eight events will occur over the course of the fall, winter and spring seasons to help support the cause. The eight different teams participating in this event include women’s volleyball, swimming, soccer, softball, tennis, lacrosse, track and basketball.
To learn more about breast cancer, contact the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or visit cancer.org.