ECS' Senior Girls Basketball Team is shooting with purpose this weekend.
The 13th Annual Victor Elias Memorial Shoot for a Cure Pink Senior Girls Basketball Tournament kicks off tonight in support of two community members who are currently battling cancer.
“We are fundraising for two very special men in our community this year, who have been battling cancer - Roland Montebon and Bob Seibel,” said Keira Zapeda, a player for the ECS senior girls' basketball team.
Bob Seibel is the father of Melissa Holman, a math teacher at ECS. He is battling multiple myelomas, which are cancers in the white blood cells.
Roland Montebon was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023. He is the father of two former students at ECS, both of whom were on the girls' basketball team under the tutelage of Jessie Smoliak.
The tournament is named in honour of Smoliak’s father who lost his battle with cancer 7 years ago.
“I know this tournament means a lot to our coach, so we want to play for her, and for the men who are battling cancer,” said Zapeda.
The pink game is tonight at 6:15 where they hit the court against Moose Jaw Central—followed by a game at 11:30 AM on Saturday against Moose Jaw Vanier.
“We played them in the past and they were somewhat strong, but we haven't played them this year yet. Moose Jaw Central, so it should be a good game,” said Zapeda, "I feel we will match up well against them on Friday night’s game."
The theme of this year's tournament is Barbie and their two Kens. The admission fee is $5 per game or $10 for a weekend pass.
“So please come out and watch some great basketball, enter to win some sweet prizes, and donate to an excellent cause,” urged Zapeda.
Both games will be held at the ECS gym.