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For 18 years, Mineola Girls Soccer has proudly supported Breast Cancer Awareness through their annual Think Pink Soccer Game. This year’s event continues that tradition, with the team hitting the field in pink socks to raise both awareness and funds for the cause. Pink shirts are sold, raffles are held, and all proceeds are directed to Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives.

In the lead-up to the game, the Varsity Girls Soccer team actively engages the community by visiting local elementary schools to run soccer clinics. These clinics not only promote the sport but also raise breast cancer awareness among younger students, further strengthening soccer’s presence in this passionate community.

The team’s dedication doesn’t stop at the game. On Sunday, October 20th, they participated in the Jones Beach Breast Cancer Walk, bringing their week of events to a meaningful close. Their efforts highlight the incredible impact of using sports to drive awareness and positive change for important causes.

This past October, Duxbury High School Football took a stand against breast cancer, rallying the entire school community to join their efforts. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the team raised funds and awareness for women battling the disease, encouraging students and fans to “GO PINK” for a meaningful cause.

Partnering with the Karen Wellington Foundation, the football team raised $5,000 to bring lightness and hope to women fighting breast cancer. The funds will help provide special vacations, spa days, and memorable experiences for women and families affected by the illness.

In the week leading up to the Pink Out game, the team sold Duxbury Pink Ribbon shirts, with students and fans purchasing the shirts in support of the cause. The dedication and involvement of the community truly made a difference.

The event culminated on Friday, October 18th, at the Duxbury vs. Silver Lake game, where fans proudly wore their Pink Ribbon shirts as the game was dedicated to honoring and supporting women in their fight against breast cancer.

The Duxbury community came together, not only showing their support but also making a real impact through their efforts to raise funds and awareness.

 

On October 17th, the Riverhead Girls Volleyball team hosted a special Dig Pink game against Central Islip, raising awareness for breast cancer and standing in solidarity with those affected by the disease. This annual event is more than just a competition—it is a heartfelt effort to support breast cancer research and honor survivors and those currently battling the illness.

The Riverhead community came together in a big way, with fans filling the stands in pink to show their support. Beyond the excitement on the court, the team’s mission was clear: to make a meaningful impact. Through a bake sale and donations, the team raised $525, which will go to support a local Riverhead mother of two who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has begun chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

The evening was a powerful reminder of how sports can bring people together for a greater purpose. The Riverhead Girls Volleyball team played with passion and purpose, making the night not only a memorable match but also a beacon of hope in the fight against breast cancer.

Playing for Priscilla: A Heartfelt Tribute to an Exceptional Athlete

On October 17, 2024, Quincy High School’s softball, volleyball, and basketball teams came together for a meaningful event to honor Priscilla Bonica, an exceptional athlete and cherished member of the community. “Playing for Priscilla” was more than just a sporting event; it was a tribute to a young woman whose strength, sportsmanship, and compassion touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

Priscilla, a 2021 graduate of Quincy High School, played on all three teams. She was known for her hard work, quiet leadership, and selfless contributions both on and off the court. Diagnosed with brain cancer in her senior year, Priscilla bravely fought a two-year battle before passing away on June 17, 2023. Though she was not the most vocal player, Priscilla’s dedication and perseverance made her a leader and role model to her teammates. She had a unique ability to motivate others to strive for excellence, often holding herself and her peers accountable for their performance.

Priscilla’s commitment to helping others extended beyond sports, as she pursued a healthcare tech major, and her kind, no-nonsense personality endeared her to those around her. Her legacy of leadership, hard work, and kindness is something the QHS community will never forget.

In remembrance of Priscilla, the event held special meaning. The date, 10.17.24, symbolized her jersey numbers across the sports she loved. The teams sponsored a family to stay for a week at Tommy’s Place, a vacation home for families with children battling cancer. Priscilla and her family cherished their time at Tommy’s Place, and this sponsorship served as a way to continue spreading the kindness and joy she brought to others.

As Coach Jacqui Niosi shared, Priscilla’s jerseys were displayed on the bench during the game, and players and fans wore blue 2024 T-shirts in her honor. Her sense of humor, competitive spirit, and caring nature lived on through her teammates and the community. The match was not just a game but a celebration of the values Priscilla embodied—teamwork, dedication, and heart.

As the stands filled with supporters, they came together to play with the same passion that Priscilla had shown in every aspect of her life. Her memory continues to inspire all who knew her. A moment of silence was observed to honor her lasting legacy.

The Aces for Autism volleyball event is making a powerful impact both on and off the court by raising awareness and support for individuals living with autism. This special charity event brings athletes and the community together in solidarity, showcasing how sports can be a meaningful tool for positive change.

Throughout the event, participants can enjoy raffles, games, and opportunities to donate, all contributing to the cause. A highlight of the day will be the involvement of students from Crossroads School for Autism in Marlboro, who will participate in the opening ceremonies, announcing, and the national anthem.

All proceeds from Aces for Autism will go to the Doug Flutie Foundation for Autism, supporting their mission of creating a world where individuals with autism lead productive lives, fully included, respected, and actively engaged in their communities. Every serve, spike, and ace at this event represents the spirit of teamwork, compassion, and the commitment to making a difference.