By Charlie Mark
The accomplishments of a basketball team are not defined solely by its on-court performance. Its accomplishments, and thus its overall success, include a team’s contributions to society that take place off-court.
An example of off-court contributions can be seen in the well-known NBA Cares program, a global social responsibility program that builds on the NBA’s mission of addressing important social issues. One need not look to the NBA, however, to find off-court team contributions to society. We can find many examples of noble off-court contributions right here in Port Washington, as recently exemplified by the Schreiber High School Vikings basketball team.
The Coaches versus Cancer program is a nationwide collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The purpose of this initiative is to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round fundraising activities and advocacy programs. Since 1993, the Coaches versus Cancer program has raised more than $100 million for the American Cancer Society.
Over the past eight years, the Vikings have raised more than $10,000 for the American Cancer Society. This year, on Jan. 15, the Vikings hosted their ninth annual Coaches Versus Cancer basketball game. The game was against East Meadow High School.
The Vikings defeated East Meadow with a final score of 64-42. Their victory aside, it was the combined success of both teams that allowed them to raise more than $1,200. All proceeds, whether from T-shirt sales or donations, were donated to combat ovarian cancer.
The Vikings were proud of their off-court success.
“It’s awesome that we have an event that brings everyone together, including the community, school and athletic teams,” said senior player Louis Blakeman. “As a player, I love to see others coming out to support not only the team, but the team’s cause.”
The Vikings know that it takes a team to win a basketball game. With their contributions through the Coaches versus Cancer program, we see that they also know it takes a team to take on life’s larger challenges, such as fighting cancer.
Charlie Mark is a sophomore at Schreiber. He hosts a weekly radio show at WDOT Port Washington Radio and is a monthly contributor to the Schreiber Times.
