Cheer supports MS

January 11, 2009

ST. JOHNS — The Redwing
competitive cheer team has dedicated the Jan. 14 home meet
as a way to raise funds to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Members
of the St. Johns team, and hopefully
all five of the teams competing will be dressed in orange T-shirts, showing
their support of MS research. A portion of the gate receipts and all proceeds
from a flower sale will be donated to MS research.

"We think this is
an excellent athletic teaching moment," Redwing Athletic-Activities
director Chris Ervin said. "It is a way for our busy students to get
involved with their community, and to publicize our sports at the same
time."

Ervin has contacted
all CAAC Red Division competitive cheer coaches, explaining the Redwings'
desire that all teams wear orange T-shirts with the MS logo. Orange is the symbolic color
of MS, the same as pink is the color for supporters of breast cancer
research.

"We have what we
think is a brilliant idea and opportunity for our competitive cheer league to
donate to a great cause," Ervin said. "We have a senior cheerleader
whose mother suffers from MS."

Ervin said the team is
encouraging participants to write the names of friends and family members who
have MS on the back of their T-shirts, showing their support.

The meet starts at 6 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.