(STARKVILLE, Miss.) Sept. 21, 2022 - October is nearly here, which for many, means fall weather, trick or treating, and pumpkin-spiced lattes. However, orange isn't the only color associated with this autumn month. October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month since 1985. This year, Starkville Parks & Recreation is stepping up to the plate with its "Pink Tag initiative.” This initiative will recognize community members who have or are currently fighting breast cancer or who wish to support those affected by the disease.
For the entire month of October, community members are encouraged to take photos of themselves or loved ones wearing their pink dog tags with the hashtag - #parkspinktags and post them on social media. The team at Starkville Parks & Recreation also created a webpage for submitting photos where community members will be able to scroll through an online gallery of those supporting the cause. It's all a part of spreading awareness, which is imperative to members of the organization.
"Many breast cancer symptoms are invisible and not noticeable without a professional screening, says Verlyne Akins, a breast cancer survivor and facility manager at Starkville Parks & Recreation. Some symptoms can be caught early by paying attention to your breast health."
As Akins welcomes guests to the Travis Outlaw Center this October, they'll be able to pick up the Parks Pink Tags, while visiting a Breast Cancer Exhibit designed by members of the Starkville Parks & Recreation Team. Along with promotional items, the exhibit features facts on breast health and props for survivors and supporters to pose with while posting during the social media campaign.
"In Mississippi, an average of 429 deaths are attributed to breast cancer and 2,021 new cases are diagnosed annually," says Erica Rivers, marketing assistant. We look forward to sharing the love, support, and pink tags for people in our community dealing with breast cancer or who have lost a loved one, all while spreading awareness for the cause."
Additionally, Starkville Parks is teaming up with Mississippi State University Dining Services to provide “pink treats” during random periods of the month. During these community activations, community members visiting Starkville Parks facilities will be greeted with a pink dessert provided by MSU Dining Services, along with a little-known fact about breast cancer.
“We want to really get creative with this initiative and spread awareness by associating health and wellness with something sweet and enjoyable,” says Ashli Coggins, Sponsorships Manager. We hope that our pink treats encourage community members to learn more about breast cancer and hopefully make a difference in someone’s life in regards to prevention.”
The Parks Pink Tag Initiative and Breast Cancer Exhibit will run through the entire month of October. Pink tags can be picked up from the Travis Outlaw Center, City Hall, and at other points across town. The online photo gallery can be accessed by visiting the “Parks Goes Pink,” webpage found under the Programs & Activities tab on StarkvilleParks.org.
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Starkville Parks & Recreation and Cornerstone Sports Complex are located in Starkville, Mississippi, Mississippi's Premiere College Town. Starkville is the most populated city within the Golden Triangle Region and is home to Mississippi State University. Boasting a rich history in sports, the numerous park facilities have a variety of different playing fields, along with a splash pad and pool, and house recreational programs like soccer, baseball, pickleball, flag football, and basketball. Starkville Parks & Recreation and Cornerstone Sports Complex are members of the SF Network, the Nation's largest and fastest-growing network of sports facilities and are operated by the industry leader in outsourced operations, The Sports Facilities Companies. For more information, visit Starkville Parks & Recreation.
The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) are the Nation’s leading resources for the management and development of sports, recreation, wellness, and events facilities. As a turn-key solution for community leaders and developers alike, SFC services span the gamut of sports and recreation needs from sports tourism & recreation master planning, program planning, and feasibility through professional facility management services. Our 30+ managed venues and 1500+ team members, represented by the SF Network, welcome more than 25 million guest visits and produce over $250 million in economic impact each year. To learn more, please visit SportsFacilities.com and theSFnetwork.com.