EUGENE, Ore. — The Ducks want to bring home the “W.”
But with pink uniforms on Thursday night, the fight to end breast cancer is also on their minds.
This is the second year the Ducks have dawned pink gear on the field. No one can forget those pink helmets from last year, and though their pink is a bit more subtle now, the message is just as strong.
This year the team will wear pink socks, cleats and gloves.
The athletic department says the pink uniforms were the players’ idea three years ago. They were inspired by different NFL teams, and with a lot of eyes always on the Ducks’ latest gear, they wanted to bring more awareness to breast cancer. They hope the initiative drives more funds to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.
“A lot of times people raise awareness by wearing pink uniforms,” said Craig Pintens, Senior Athletic Director at the UO. “However, it’s more than that for us, and it we can help raise funds to cure such a disease that affects so many people’s lives. We’re all about that.”
Kay Yow was the long-time head women’s basketball coach at North Carolina State. She died from breast cancer in 2009. Last year 25 pink helmets were sold after the game, which raised nearly $220,000 for her cancer fund.
As for this year’s gear, there’s no plan yet to sell or auction it off. But Thursday after the game there will be a very touching exchange. Four children affected by cancer will come on to the field to receive a jersey from Thursday’s four team captains.
