Prairie League Fights Cancer
/ GPLS.ca | 9:15 A
Prairie League Fights Cancer
Coming together is what Girls Prairie League Softball does best.
Already this season, teams from across Alberta and Saskatchewan have gathered for the Opening Weekend games, while in mid-June, All-Star Weekend in Sherwood Park will once again bring everyone together while also recognizing the best of the best in the annual All-Star Game.
But beyond the traditional weekends GPLS hosts, one specific weekend is held close to the hearts of everyone involved, as players, coaches and fans show their support for the fight against cancer, and unite as an entire league wearing their pink socks.
“It’s a unique way for the girls to show their support for those people in their lives that have cancer,” said Bruce Vance, GPLS vice-chairman. “Certainly, everyone has someone you know that they have lost, has gone through or battled cancer. The girls really embrace this. They wear their pink socks proudly.”
Pink Sox weekend, in fact, isn’t even just one weekend anymore, as with the growth of GPLS, the weekend has been split into three weekends now, with ‘A’ division teams in the east hosting their weekend last week in Lashburn, while Red Deer will play host to the western teams in the ‘A’ division starting today, followed by the ‘B’ Divisions weekend being played in Elnora, Alta. starting June 2.
“It’s certainly something that has been embraced by the league,” said Vance. “It’s a very strong league that all teams take part and they know all their donations are going to go to the Canadian Cancer Society.”
Proceeds for purchasing the pink socks goes towards cancer research, and varies from year to year to which organization and which cancer the girls will help support the fight against.
GPLS has held Pink Sox weekends for the past six years and it has grown from a small beginning that saw some participation, to one where every player and coach is proud to wear pink alongside their opponents, with social media accounts buzzing with pictures of teammates and opponents wearing their pink socks together.
It’s a weekend that touches close to Vance, who himself, battled cancer in 2014. League proceeds went to a group called ‘Team Bruce’, which went towards colon cancer, which Vance had.
“It was incredible to have the GPLS help out,” said Vance. “So, on a personal note, it means a whole bunch.”
If you have an interesting softball story to share, please email a.brethauer@gpls.ca
