ATHENS, W.Va., (The Hinton News) — Concord University Athletics is teaming up with Ridin’ 4 A Cure, a Mercer County nonprofit that supports local cancer fighters and their caregivers. Throughout October, Mountain Lions football players will wear pink ribbons on their helmets, provided by the organization. The goal is to raise awareness of the cause and draw attention to the group’s work across southern West Virginia.
The partnership starts on the field this Saturday, Oct. 3, when Concord hosts Frostburg State at Callaghan Stadium. Cancer survivors from across the region are invited to walk the Mountain Lions onto the field before the 1 p.m. kickoff.
“Concord University is proud to stand alongside Ridin’ 4 A Cure,” said Concord Director of Athletics Luke Duffy. “Our motto is ‘Come to Learn; Go to Serve,’ and this organization lives that out every day by showing up for cancer
fighters and their families right here in our region. When our players take the field with those pink ribbons this October, they’ll be representing more than Concord. They’ll be honoring every person in our community who has faced cancer and the people who have helped carry them through it.”
Ridin’ 4 A Cure’s mission is to start a movement that saves lives. It wants Mercer County and surrounding areas to set the standard in West Virginia for the lowest cancer rates, through prevention, educational partnerships, corporate wellness and promotion. The organization helps local cancer fighters get the care, transportation and resources they need during treatment. It also raises money for preventive screenings that support early detection.
“Concord University has supported Ridin 4 A Cure in the past, so reaching out to them about placing breast cancer awareness ribbons on the football helmets felt like a meaningful way to continue that partnership,” said Director Crystal Cook. “These ribbons are more than a symbol. They help bring awareness to a mission that directly serves people right here in Southern West Virginia. We want every person facing cancer to know they are supported and that no one fights cancer alone.
Survivor Walk-On Details
Cancer survivors who would like to walk the team onto the field should email Crystal Cook at crystal.cook@ridin4acure.org by Friday, Oct. 2. Participants should arrive at the main gate at Callaghan Stadium by 12:45 p.m.
Saturday’s game can also be streamed on the MEC Digital Network. Tickets are available at cumountainlions.com. To learn more about Ridin’ 4 A Cure, donate or get involved, visit ridin4acure.org or call (304) 487-8985.
Persons with disabilities should contact Nancy Ellison, 1-304-384-6086 or 1-800-344-6679 ext. 6086, if special assistance is required for access to an event scheduled by the University on campus. Concord University may take pictures at these events for publicity purposes.
