On Friday nights and fall afternoons, for fall sports teams, it’s not just playing for wins; they’re playing for something bigger. Players are wearing cleats, wristbands, ribbons, and captains are using their uniforms to show support for breast cancer and childhood cancer awareness.

Fall sports take different approaches to addressing the issue at hand, whether through fundraisers or collaborating with other teams; the Lions community is always looking to improve the world around them.

The girls’ swim and dive team partners up with Jonathan Law and Laurelton Hall to hold a fundraiser to help raise money for breast cancer research.

“During the event, we donate all the money raised to Lion Heart, which supports Smillow Cancer Center in Yale New Haven and the Yale Cancer Center,” says senior girls’ swim captain, Alexa White.

Not only is the girls’ swim team showing their support for breast cancer awareness, but the football team is making a powerful statement of their own by raising awareness for breast cancer and childhood cancer.

Shane Trevethan, a senior football captain, states, “Seeing the community come together all wearing pink really motivates our team. The atmosphere it brings to the game is electric and really makes the game fun.”

The football team is doing a pinkout for breast cancer awareness and wearing yellow to show support for Avery’s Little Army. The yellow game is dedicated to raising money to support childhood cancer.

“It’s a game we look forward to throughout the year and adds to the anticipation of kickoff,” remarks Trevethan.

Girls’ cross country also shows support for breast cancer by wearing the ribbon in their hair, dedicating their run to those affected by cancer.

Senior cross country captain Lilly Magnuson comments, “We run for someone who had cancer,” showing their support for those affected.

The girls’ swim and dive joint lapathon will take place on October 18 at the Foran High Pool. The girls’ cross-country meet will take place on October 20 at Eisenhower Park. The boys’ football pinkout game will be played on October 30 at the Vito Devito Sports Complex.