4,000 Refs “Calling for a Cure”

Nearly 4,000 basketball referees who work women’s college and high school games are doing their part to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. During a week-long “Calling for a Cure” program Feb. 8 – 17, referees for the NCAA, NJCAA, NAIA and high schools will wear pink whistles during the games in conjunction with the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) “Think Pink” initiative that was launched in 2007. Many of the referees will also donate portions of their game checks to benefit the Kay Vow WBCA Cancer fund, which was established in partnership with the V Foundation, a not-for-profit group founded by ESPN and Jim Valvano, an ESPN broadcaster and former basketball coach for North Carolina State who later lost his battle with cancer. Fans can donate to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund online at JimmyV.org.