NORWICH – Members of the Norwich High School cheerleading squad are prepared to once again “Cheer for a Cure” at Friday's varsity football game at 7 p.m. against Union Endicott – a game that has been deemed by many the “Pink Game.”

This is the fourth straight year the cheerleaders have participated in the event that aims to raise not only funds but also cancer awareness throughout the community. The game is held near the beginning of October each year to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

NHS Varsity Cheerleading Coach Marie DeSarro said the Pink Game is one that the cheerleaders look forward to each year.

“My girls love to participate,” said DeSarro. “Every year at the beginning of the season, they try to come up with a new way to show their support.”

At this year's event, the cheer team will be collecting donations at the game. Profits from the sale of the football program will be donated from the football boosters to the Cheer for a Cure Relay for Life team. Cheerleaders will also be accepting donations and have various cancer-related items for sale at the game. Proceeds will go toward the cause.

While this year's school and community participation hasn't been the highest seen in Pink Game history, DeSarro is confident the event is successful in raising cancer awareness within the community. Moreover, the young ladies on the team know their efforts do not go unnoticed, she added.