FAIR HAVEN— Fair Haven Union High School will once again join in the fight against cancer by sponsoring Coaches vs. Cancer games. This year they will compete on the court with Otter Valley. The public is invited to attend the Coaches vs. Cancer night to cheer on the Slaters.
The games, which take place at Fair Haven Union High School gymnasium, will be held on Feb. 1 for the girls’ team and Friday, Feb. 2 for the boys’ team, with games beginning at 5:30 for junior varsity and 7 p.m. for varsity. Fans are encouraged to wear navy, the color representing both teams, to show support for the Coaches vs. Cancer initiative.
All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society, the official sponsor of the More Birthdays campaign.
In 2015, the Fair Haven Union High School girls’ basketball teams supported a Coaches vs. Cancer game with Poultney High, raising $1,500. In 2016, the team raised $5,000 and $6,031 in 2017.
“We at Fair Haven Union lost a much-loved music teacher, Fran LaPlaca, to the disease,” said Coach Leo Hutchins. “It’s a cause we all connect with, and a fight we can win. Team members and the Fair Haven community are going the extra mile to raise funds and awareness, and we’ll be showing off our success during the Slaters vs. Otters game.”
Activities coordinator Ali Jones said, “Coaches vs. Cancer is one of the most important games because it allows our students to play for a higher cause rather just winning or losing. It also showcases what our students do extremely well, which is striving to help others and use their talents to make the world around them a better place. It also allows two competitive schools to join together for a positive cause.”
“The Fair Haven game will help create cancer awareness and raise funds to find cancer’s causes and cures and provide programs that ease the burden of the disease for people in need,” said Brian Casalinova, American Cancer Society community manager of special events. “Our hope is that one day, students will never have to worry about the threat of cancer. This is an opponent we can–and will–beat.”
Photo submitted
Fair Haven Union High School students will participate in the game again this year.
