ASSINIBOIA — Pink isn’t just a colour, it’s a statement, a mood and maybe even a bit of attitude, according to celebrity Miley Cyrus. This timeless hue symbolizes positivity and strength.
Al Wandler, longtime organizer of the annual “pink game” held at Assiniboia Composite High School as a fundraiser, says he has handed over the reins to former players.
“I could not be more thrilled to have former players like Kaitlin and Jessie take over the program in Assiniboia. I know that the tremendous work ethic that they had as players will continue as coaches as they teach the next generation of girls about this great game.
“ACHS and Assiniboia are very fortunate to have these two in their community and it is my hope that they will be appreciated by everyone as they attend the event,” affirms Wandler.
This year the Pink Game will be Jan 31.
“Jessie Road and myself took over once Al moved away from Assiniboia,” says ACHS girls’ basketball coach, and former Rockets player.
Oancia and Road say continuation of this initiative is not just important to the team and the school but it helps build community, helps those in need and teaches students how to give back to others, creating good community citizens along the way.
Wandler said the first pink game took place in 2009, making the 2025 event number 16 for a time-honoured tradition for the school, and community.
The funds from this year’s event will go to a community member in her fight against cancer.
“We are holding a steak night at the Jolly Giant in Willow Bunch Jan. 21, selling ice cream floats at 7th Ave. and AES, pink game-themed shirts are sold, online silent auction, as well as penny parade and 50/50 at the pink game,” said Oancia.
In the 16 years the event has been held, components of the weekend have grown including businesses and individuals from all around Assiniboia coming on board with donations. Limerick, Rockglen, Coroach and Willow Bunch are such surrounding communities that lend their support. As well, the Assiniboia Kinette Club help with the lotto licenses for different events.
Al Wandler, who started the Pink Game movement, has inspired and helped grow the project across the province.
“The game started in 2009 when that year’s SRC purchased the pink uniforms for the home tournament that year where we hoped other teams would take it on for the following year. When that didn’t occur, we started a ‘pay-it-forward’ campaign where we bought the Fillmore Falcons a set of pinks under the condition that they would run their own game and buy uniforms for another team. Indian Head and Estevan approached us asking to wear our uniforms for their first games and where some of the funds went to purchasing their own uniforms. Once in place, they took on the pay-it-forward campaign as well,” notes Wandler.
The pink game weekend includes six teams at the basketball tournament. While the highlight of the weekend is the pink game itself, organizers and ACHS acknowledge that the fun atmosphere at the school for students playing, and their fans, creates a buzz which only helps spread the word and generates more attendees and more people supporting the fundraisers that are part of the weekend.
Wandler admits one challenge is getting people to come out and fill the stands to watch the pink game. Everyone preparing for this annual event is hoping that locals and visitors come to watch the pink game, cheer on the home team and support the initiative for the efforts in helping someone local with their health struggles.
In a 2024 story in the Assiniboia Times and SASKTODAY.CA Wandler cites, “the pink game initiative caught on across the province generating totals from these games since inception totalling $480,251.50, with the ACHS contribution to that remarkable total coming to $97,721.82.
