From October 19-21, the Manitoba Bisons women’s basketball team host the 2012 ‘Shoot for the Cure’ Invitational non-conference tournament to raise money and awareness for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF).

During this weekend tourney, the gate proceeds from both Saturday, October 20 games (Olds College vs. Lakehead and Winnipeg vs. Manitoba) goes towards breast cancer research and finding a cure. Plus, there will be special limited edition pink and black T-shirts sold at Investors Group Athletic Centre during the weekend for a suggested donation of $10 each. The team has also set-up a Facebook page: UofM WomenBasketball and Twitter account: @bisonwbb with more info.

The highlight of the ‘Shoot for the Cure’ Invitational tournament will occur on Saturday, October 20 at the Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC). The annual ‘Pack the Place Pink Night’ happens when Manitoba plays Winnipeg at 7 p.m. and prior to that game, Olds College competes against Lakehead at 5 p.m. The team is asking attendees to wear pink to show their support. The tournament will also showcase other university teams: Lakehead Thunderwolves and Winnipeg Wesmen.

Tickets are available at the door with the admission at: $10 adults, $5 students/seniors.

Third year Bison women’s basketball guard Stephanie Gill has been instrumental in the ‘Shoot for the Cure’ efforts for the Bisons this season. Gill stated, “This weekend is important to us because we take pride in raising awareness and money for breast cancer. Our hope is to continue our success from the past and carry it over to this year's Shoot for the Cure. The goal this Saturday is to see IGAC packed in pink in our efforts to help us shoot for a cure and raise money for this great cause.”

Over the past five seasons, the CIS Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) has proven ‘The Shoot for the Cure’ campaign as an overwhelming success since it was launched in the fall of 2007 with over half a million dollars in donations ($512,394.58). In the first five years of the initiative, the WBCA had presented cheques of $50,320.87 in 2007-08, $81,512.96 in 2008-09, $94,650.96 in 2009-10, $104,763.53 in 2010-11 and $121,248.70 in 2010-11 to the CBCF, with another $82,439.34 going to local organizations. This season will be the sixth edition of the Shoot For The Cure initiative, and all members of the WBCA have committed to hosting at least one event to raise awareness to breast cancer.

Bisons 2012 ‘Shoot for the Cure’ Invitational Tournament – women’s basketball
Friday, October 19
6 p.m.        Lakehead vs. Manitoba Bisons
8 p.m.        Olds College vs. Winnipeg

Saturday, October 20 – ‘PACK THE PLACE PINK NIGHT’
5 p.m.        Olds College vs. Lakehead
7 p.m.        Winnipeg vs. Manitoba Bisons

Sunday, October 21
10 a.m.    Olds College vs. Manitoba Bisons
12 p.m.    Lakehead vs. Winnipeg

All games played at Investors Group Athletic Centre (IGAC) at U of Manitoba campus.

Daily admission during Invitational: $10 adults, $5 students/seniors

Bison Notes: During the Saturday game, the Bisons will don their special pink uniforms against Winnipeg. The team is looking to contribute upwards of $7000 for CBCF this season.