NORMAN — Many college athletic teams have put on pink uniforms, T-shirts, ribbons, socks and helmet stickers to show their support for cancer survivors and cancer research. But it’s rare when that expression trickles down to high school teams.
That’s what will happen Sept. 13-17 during Win-Win Week. Oklahoma schools are encouraged to “pink out” during every athletic event to increase cancer awareness and raise funds to support cancer patients.
First Lady Kim Henry joined with OU Heisman Trophy winners Steve Owens, Billy Sims and Jason White this week to kick off the initiative at Norman High. Football players will wear pink shoestrings and drummers will perform with pink drumsticks.
Raising awareness of lifestyle choices that impact cancer prevention also is a goal of Win-Win Week. About 17,000 Oklahomans are diagnosed with cancer each year and 4,500 of them die from the disease. Quitting smoking, eating healthy foods and regular exercise can significantly reduce those figures. Starting early helps, too.
