KINGSTON, R.I. — January 30, 2007– Students, parents, grandparents and kids were all in the pink last week as the Rams faced, then defeated, the University of Massachusetts, 75-72, at the Ryan Center. With record-setting attendance of 2,657 students and a nearly sold-out arena, the fans did far more than boost the team on the court.

A few days before the game and just before it started, students from the URI Athletics Department had been hard at work selling T-shirts for their first “Pink Out” to raise breast cancer awareness and donate funds to support research for treatments. The project raised nearly $10,000, and at halftime a presentation was made to the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. Even Rhody the Ram, the band, the Ramettes and cheerleaders were decked out in pink T-shirts.

The event was organized and coordinated by URI senior Elizabeth Lyons of Charlestown, a fashion merchandising major with a minor in business, who is also a four-year member of the Rhody track and field team. “I thought it would be very moving to see a sea of pink in the stands on Wednesday night in support of those affected by breast cancer,” said Lyons. “We originally ordered 1,500 shirts, but had to bring more in at the last minute, so we sold 2,000 shirts. We were all sold out before the game even started!”


Lyons said she was grateful that the event gained so much support. “I’m felt blessed to be able to be a part of something that will positively effect so many people and their struggles with breast cancer.”

URI News Bureau photos by Michael Salerno Photography