ROCK HILL, SC—The Third Annual "Kicks Against Cancer" game proved to be successful once again and there was a great turnout for the game and ceremony which raised $16,200 for the American Cancer Society.
Winthrop men's and women's soccer, men's and women's cross country along with the volleyball team and Pi Kappa Alpha have worked hard the past three years to raise $58,200.
Around 100 fans attended the contest that combined the men's and women's soccer teams in a mixed scrimmage. The campaign to raise money for the American Cancer Society begins each year in March and concludes with the game in late August. Posipanko's wife Gayle was diagnosed with breast cancer in July of 2008 and months later Posipanko started to get his ideas together for raising money for the American Cancer Society. “I'd like to thank all of our student-athletes, members of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and most of all our honorary captains,” said Posipanko. “Because of them we do this event. Our student-athletes at Winthrop University have always played a leadership role in community service activities, and this is just another example of our young people doing a good thing for a worthy cause. We certainly feel we have a first class group of student-athletes here at Winthrop and we are very proud of them. We are also very appreciative for all the donations that were made and thanks to all the fans that turned out for the game. We are pleased that we have raised $58,200 to date in a very difficult economy.”
Dr. Limentani, known as one of top Hematologist/Oncologist in the nation, was on hand as well. The check, which was donated to the American Cancer Society, was in honor of Dr. Limentani for all the help and guidance that Dr. Limentani has provided to the Posipankos as well as many of the honorary captains. “I would also like to give special thanks to Dr. Steven Limentani for attending the game, for his comments to the crowd, and for allowing us to donate the funds in his honor. He is one of the most giving doctors I have ever met and his guidance and friendship over the years means the world to me”, said Posipanko.The honorary captains were Linda Dorsett, Gayle Posipanko, Cindy Gandy, Karen Johnston, Ms. Anne Cassels (93-years old) and Barb Skonicki.
Posipanko, cross country coach Ben Paxton, women's soccer coach Spencer Smith and volleyball head coach Julie Torbett presented Stephanie Smith of the American Cancer Society with a check for $16,200. In addition to the check presentation, the pre-game ceremony included the introduction of the honorary captains as well as all the student-athletes teams releasing balloons into the sky in memory or honor of someone close to them or those affected by cancer.
This past summer the Winthrop Athletic Department captured the Kallander Cup for the third straight year, which is an award given by the Big South Conference to the Institution that does the most Community Service.
