LANGLEY, B.C. – Trinity Western's men's and women's basketball hosted the first ever Shoot for the Cure Skills Challenge as part of U SPORTS 14^th Shoot for the Cure campaign Thursday at the Langley Events Centre.
 
The closed event diligently followed all the health and safety protocols that have been set out by British Columbia's Provincial Health Officer and viaSport.
 
Both the women's and men's events featured a mix of individual and team skills competitions, while fundraising money for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) – and other related local and provincial charities – to help fight breast cancer. As of Thursday evening, the event had raised over $2400.
 
Click here to DONATE to Shoot for the Cure through the TWU Spartans fundraising page.
 
WOMEN'S COMPETITION WINNERS
Skills Competition – Jayden Gill (Abbotsford, B.C.)
Master of the Mid-Range – Nicole Fransson (Edmonton, Alta.)
3-Point Shooting – Jolene Vlieg (Leduc, Alta.)
Team Shooting Competition – Kailey Reimer (Abbotsford, B.C.), Jayden Gill (Abbotsford, B.C.), Hailey Van Roekel(Langley, B.C.)
 
MEN'S COMPETITION WINNERS
Team Shooting Competition – Ja'Qualyn Gilbreath (Amarillo, Texas), Gabe Mannes (Chilliwack, B.C.), Daniel Adediran(Surrey, B.C.)
Skills Competition – Adam Gehrig (Toowomba, Australia)
3-Point Shooting – Riley Braich (Abbotsford, B.C.)
Slam Dunk Contest – Daniel Adediran (Surrey, B.C.)

FULL REPLAY | WOMEN'S AND MEN'S COMPETITION

In addition to a variety of virtual events being held across the country, members will join in promoting the initiative through their digital channels as part of a national marketing campaign for the second consecutive year, in an effort to raise $44,000. U SPORTS will publish frequent updates of funds raised via social media, showcasing the national progression towards this goal and the cumulative 14-year target of $1.5 Million.
 
"This has been a difficult year for U SPORTS student athletes, with primarily online courses and no meaningful games to play," said Jeff Speedy - Shoot for the Cure Project Manager and head coach, UNB Reds. "The fact that so many of them are still participating in the annual Shoot For The Cure initiative to do their part, together, to help those affected by this brutal disease is great to see. Our goal of raising $44,000 would be a very modest goal most years, but this year, with a pandemic and no games to play to help us raise money, it may be a challenge. But, we have a long list of very dedicated organizers, student-athletes and donors who are on board to try to make it happen."
 
All 48 U SPORTS women's basketball programs across the four conferences are slated to take part, marking a decade of full membership participation. Last year, over $106,000 was raised, topping the goal of $100,000 to mark the sport's centennial anniversary.
 
"Each year, funds raised through Shoot for the Cure support groundbreaking breast cancer research and a national support system to help people at every stage of their cancer journey," said Jane Parsons – Executive Vice President, Community Giving, Canadian Cancer Society. "Breast cancer hasn't stopped being a life-changing and life-threatening disease during a global health pandemic and CCS has seen increased demand for many of our support programs, including our telephone and online programs. It's thanks to the generous contributions from Shoot for the Cure organizers, donors and participants that we're able to support Canadians affected by breast cancer, during the COVID-19 pandemic and year-round."
 
For the all-time Shoot for the Cure Donation totals, click here.
 
About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 13 sports in the Canada West conference, including women's and men's soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cross country and track & field, as well as women's rugby sevens. TWU also competes as an independent team in men's rugby. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 12 U SPORTS team championships and 29 Canada West team championships.
 
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