CAMBRIDGE, NS - On a sunny Oct. 22, the Central Kings High Gator football team was focused on more than just their game.
CK hosted the Millwood High School Knights at their field, dubbed the Swamp, to do something much greater and much more meaningful: support and recognize breast cancer research in Nova Scotia.
The Gator players wore pink socks, decorated their helmets with names of cancer survivors and cancer angels, tie dyed shirts to wear under their jerseys, made pink cookies and cupcakes. The coaches wore really bright pink shirts, while parents volunteered by making cancer ribbon lollipops, sold 50/50 tickets, held a bake sale and brought the pink to help reach an amazing fundraising goal.
The Coldbrook and District Lions Club was also on site serving home cut French fries and treats. There was also a game called “Bra Pong” to help raise funds.
In total, the team brought in $531 to help “tackle cancer” for the Nova Scotia Cancer Society.
Jill Conrad-Tracey was the “honorary CK Gator” for the day. Conrad-Tracey is a beloved elementary teacher to many of the current CK Gator football players and a four-year breast cancer survivor.
Conrad-Tracey, with help from the Gator grads, provided a ceremonial kick off to begin the game.
The volunteer coaching crew, led by Larry Priestnall, have wanted to hold a Tackle Cancer event for several years. The team says it was a wonderful day that could not have happened without a strong football community, school support and amazing families.
CK won the game 37-9, which continues the team’s undefeated season.
CK Gators travelled to Antigonish over the weekend to play their final regular season game versus JH Gillis, to wrap up the regular season.
Playoffs begin on Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. at Central Kings High School. D2 Football provincial finals will be Nov. 12.
