Over the last six years, Game for a Cure has grown from one varsity lacrosse game to a day-long tournament, but the mission is still the same.
“It started in honor of our coach’s dad – Big Poppa,” said senior Sam Moore, from the Clarkston Boys Lacrosse Varsity A team about head coach Brian Kaminskas’ dad.
All proceeds from the event go to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Cancer Research Center in Pontiac. Last year they raised just over $9,000 and this year they would like to donate more.
Players are wearing T-shirts in support of loved ones or friends who are cancer survivors, currently battled cancer or have died of cancer.
“I am playing for one of my friends that goes to our church,” Moore said. “She has breast cancer. She had it once and then it came back. It is a great way to let them know we are there for them and play for them.”
“I am playing for one of my mom’s really good friends,” senior Evan Kneisel. “She survived cancer.”
The event is Saturday, 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. The last game of the day is at 7:30 p.m. with the Wolves Varsity A team taking on OAA rivals Lake Orion.
“It will be a lot of fun,” Kaminskas added. “They have supported the event in the past by having their own T-shirts and raising money on their own.”
T-shirts are available for $10 at Coach’s Corner, 12 S. Main Street. Admission is $5 or free to those wearing the 2012 Game for a Cure T-shirt.
‘The shirts this year are being created by Coaches Corner,? added Vicki O’Grady, event coordinator. ‘We’re excited to be working with them and keeping it local. It’s a win-win situation for everyone!?
“Come out, enjoy the game,” Kaminskas welcomed. “Enjoy a cup of coffee and have a donut. Or just show up and make a donation.”
For more information on how you can support the Game for a Cure, contact Kim Kneisel at 248-620-3840.
“It is a nice way to support people who are trying to find a cure for cancer,” said junior Jordan Moore.
Other activities throughout the day include a radar gun contest for the fastest lacrosse shot, a bake sale and food from concession sales.
~Sports Writer Wendi Reardon