Refs change colours to help fight cancer
By The Nelson Daily Sports
By Bruce Fuhr
The Nelson Daily Sports
Hoop fans taking in the Bomber tournament this weekend at the Hangar may be a little confused at the colour of the whistles used by the game officials.
Please do not adjust your bifocals.
The pink whistle is part of the Blow The Whistle on Cancer campaign supported by basketball officials across B.C.
“Many of us have been touched by cancer and the pink whistle just shows the community that we support the fight against cancer,” said West Kootenay Basketball Official’s Association president Dave Brewer, who normally uses a black Fox-40 to officiate games.
This is the second year of the program, headed by Lower Mainland officials Karn Dhillon and Shelley Ganchar.
From February 1-14 basketball officials throughout the province will be monitoring games using the pink whistle.
Each official in the province, , more than 300 in total, raises funds for the program by purchasing a pink whistle. Coaches and the public are also urged to join the cause by buying a whistle or making an online donation to the Canadian Cancer Society/BCBOA at: BC Cancer Society/BCBOA
“Last year we raised more than $2,200 to help fight against cancer,” Brewer said. “This year the goal is $5000 and I think we’ll reach it quite easily.”
The West Kootenay Association covers high school and men’s games from Kaslo to Grand Forks.
Brewer and company will be out in full force this weekend at the Bomber Classic High School Girl’s and Boy’s Basketball tournament beginning Friday at the Hangar.
The tournament concludes Saturday afternoon.
Teams from Prince Charles in Creston, Fernie, Kimberley, Vernon join host Bomber teams in the two-day event.
sports@thenelsondaily.com
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