Dribble for Victory Over Cancer Returns to Campus Oct. 15
August 21, 2023 | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Bruin Athletics
LOS ANGELES – Registration is NOW OPEN for the 16th annual Dribble for Victory Over Cancer at UCLA, which returns to campus Sunday, Oct. 15. The event is part of a collaborative endeavor between UCLA Athletics, the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF), Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA and the V Foundation to end childhood cancer.
The UCLA men's and women's basketball teams remain at the forefront of the athletic department's efforts, with student-athletes and coaches dribbling alongside participants since the format was introduced in 2008. Fundraising efforts from Dribble for Victory Over Cancer at UCLA exclusively benefit PCRF and the lifesaving research at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital through the Dick Vitale Fund for Pediatric Cancer at the V Foundation. SEIA returns as the National Champion Sponsor.
"The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation is proud to partner for the 16th year with the men's and women's Bruin basketball teams to raise money and awareness for children battling cancer," said Jeri Wilson, Executive Director of PCRF. "Over our 16-year span the Bruins have helped us to raise almost $1.5 million. With the funds raised at UCLA we have been able to support innovative research where there was not treatment."
PCRF board member John Vallely, who starred for two of John Wooden's NCAA championship-winning men's basketball teams before being inducted into the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006, started Dribble at his alma mater as a tribute to his daughter, Erin, who was lost to pediatric cancer in 1991 at the age of 12.
"This is our chance to change our world of childhood cancer," said Vallely. "Dribble for Victory Over Cancer is a fun-filled event where we can build a team, bring in sponsors and create hope for other young people. These youngsters cannot help themselves. Please join us as we eliminate this terrible disease."
Festivities begin at Drake Stadium and conclude on Nell and John Wooden Court inside Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Top individual and team fundraisers, as well as team captains, will be honored during the closing ceremonies. Participants will be accompanied by UCLA basketball student-athletes and coaches throughout the morning, culminating in an autograph session.
The registration fee is $25 for adults who wish to take part in person, while children can sign up for $20. Each in-person participant receives a personalized fundraising page, an official Dribble for Victory Over Cancer event t-shirt and a goodie bag. Virtual sign-ups are $40 and $30 to cover shipping of t-shirts.
"Dribble for Victory Over Cancer is one of the highlights of my year!" said Dr. Theodore B. Moore, the Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Director of the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at UCLA. "What an encouragement to see patients, families, student-athletes, coaches and supportive friends come together to make a difference in finding cures for pediatric cancer. Although incredible progress has been made, there are still children and their families that hear those words, 'I am sorry. Nothing more can be done.' Let us continue to dribble to victory until every child is cured of cancer!"
EVENT SCHEDULE
8:30 a.m. – Registration and Fun Zone open at Drake Stadium
10 a.m. – Opening ceremonies
10:15 a.m. – Dribble for Victory Over Cancer begins, finish-line festivities begin at Pauley Pavilion
11:15 a.m. – Closing ceremonies, awards presentation and autograph session with UCLA men's and women's basketball teams