This weekend, Methodist University will be leading the fast break against women’s cancer with its 18th annual Play4Kay weekend.
This weekend, Methodist University will be leading the fast break against women’s cancer with its 18th annual Play4Kay weekend.
On Saturday, Feb. 17, MU invites the community to two public events with all proceeds going towards the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Friends of the Cancer Center:
- Play4Kay 5K Run/Walk: 9 a.m. at Monarch Stadium
- Play4Kay Women’s Basketball Game vs. Meredith: 2 p.m. at Riddle Center
“This event educates so many people about the importance of raising funds for cancer research,” said DeeDee Jarman, deputy director of athletics at MU. “The money we raise assists local women in our community with things like mammograms. Early detection can save a person’s life.”
Hosted by MU’s Physician’s Assistant Studies Program, the annual Play4Kay 5K/Run will feature a fun race that starts and ends at Monarch Stadium. All participants who sign up in advance of the race are guaranteed a t-shirt. Through Friday, Feb. 9, advanced registration costs $20 for MU faculty, staff, and students and $25 for the general public. Same-day registration costs an additional five dollars and does not guarantee a t-shirt or medal.
Later in the afternoon, Methodist University will host the Play4Kay women’s basketball game against Meredith College. A silent auction will open an hour before tipoff, offering a variety of unique items including a Play4Kay uniform, framed women’s basketball team photo, golf putter, Pinehurst condo two-night stay, spirit bag, and more to attendees.
During the game, the Monarchs will wear pink uniforms as MU honors cancer survivors on the court at halftime. General admission is $4, $2 for visiting college students with ID, and free for children under six. However, admission is free to anyone who wears pink and makes an in-person donation. Online donations are also accepted.
The Play4Kay game is a special opportunity for the Monarchs women’s basketball team – which will also honor its seniors during the team’s regular season finale.
The game has a personal meaning to freshman women’s basketball student-athlete Aleigha Robinson. Her grandmother, Wilhelmina Lytle, is a breast cancer survivor and will be one of the survivors honored at halftime.
“This is a great opportunity for all us to celebrate and honor cancer survivors,” said the Psychology major. “It makes me happy to know that we have a supportive community here at Methodist University so I hope everyone can come out this weekend.”
Play4Kay merchandise – including t-shirts, ¼ zip pullovers, hats, and Christmas ornaments – are still available to purchase.