Women’s Basketball
Western’s Shantz and Sabaliauskas of Calgary named U SPORTS Basketball Players of the Week
TORONTO — U SPORTS announced Thursday the 17th edition of Shoot for the Cure and a $100,000 campaign fundraising goal in support of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS).
This initiative, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research, has become a staple in the Canadian university sports community, bringing together athletes, coaches, and fans in the fight against breast cancer.
Organized since 2007 in collaboration with the U SPORTS Women’s Basketball Coaches’ Association, the fundraising initiative raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) – and other related local and provincial charities – to help fight breast cancer.
The 2023-24 U SPORTS women’s basketball breast cancer fundraising campaign will offer virtual and in-person events between January 17-28, 2024 and boasts the participation of U SPORTS women’s basketball programs from across the four conferences.
This is a special time of year. Our student athletes and coaches do a great job raising awareness and funds to fight this brutal disease,” said Jeff Speedy, Director of Athletics at UNB and Shoot for the Cure Project Manager. “I am always excited to see how much money we raise but for me, the best part of this initiative is that our student athletes are giving back to their communities and making a difference in people’s lives.”
For the third consecutive season, the 2023-24 campaign will offer a hybrid fundraising model, allowing for greater engagement and participation from across the nation.
Headlining the online programming is a national auction where donors can bid to win an autographed Scottie Barnes Toronto Raptors jersey among a plethora of other prizes.
In addition, members will join in promoting the initiative through their digital channels as part of a national marketing campaign, in an effort to raise $100,000.
The 2022-23 campaign raised over $115,000 for the CCS and related local and provincial charities. Since the fall of 2007, Shoot for the Cure has raised over $1.85 million in donations.
“The Shoot for the Cure event is helping to advance breast cancer research,” said Daniel Fowlie of the Canadian Cancer Society. “Those life-altering words, “You have cancer,” reverberate through the hearts of too many, a chilling reality faced by one in eight Canadian women. In this moment of vulnerability and fear, supporters like you are providing much needed strength and hope. Breast cancer can change your life and alter the lives of loved ones around you. At CCS we believe cancer does not have to define you. Thanks to the funding provided by Shoot for the Cure initiative, CCS is expanding our compassionate support system, enhancing our advocacy efforts and creating life-giving breast cancer research that benefits this generation and beyond. Breast cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women. But thanks to you, important progress is being made, and since the 1990’s, breast cancer deaths have decreased by over 40 percent.”
Throughout the campaign, university basketball teams will host special events, fundraisers, and themed games to engage fans and generate contributions. Fans are encouraged to donate directly to the cause and show their support through social media using the hashtag #ShootForTheCure.
Donations can be made online via the Canadian Cancer Society website or in person during U SPORTS women’s basketball season games and other locally organized events by participating schools.
View the U SPORTS 2023-24 women’s basketball schedule at USPORTS.ca or visit participating member institutions online.