NASO and The V Foundation to "Blow the Whistle on Cancer"

(NEW YORK, NY.) — The National Association of Sports Officials today announced in a joint press conference conducted at the ESPN Zone in Manhattan that it is joining forces with The V Foundation to "Blow the Whistle on Cancer."

The national fundraising campaign will involve sports officials from every level. The program asks officials to designate a game they are working as a "Blow the Whistle on Cancer" game and donate a portion of their officiating fee to The V Foundation.

Marcy Weston, NASO chair, delivered an emotional plea to those in the audience, sharing why NASO and The V Foundation have partnered to conduct this campaign.

"When you think about officials you think about impartiality. We don’t care who wins. We call it as we see it. Right now we see help is needed to fight cancer. The National Association of Sports Officials and more than 17,000 of its members are ready to help.

"I’m proud NASO can play a major role in helping cancer research through the "Blow the Whistle on Cancer" campaign. It’s not intended to be just a clever tag line. We really want to do something important. We want to find a way to make a difference.

"This is the first national charitable campaign NASO has affiliated with. Since 1980 we have been focused on improving officiating, from an educational level as well as from the performance level. Now is the time we need to expand our focus and are partnering with The V Foundation to battle cancer.

"So you might ask, ‘Why The V Foundation?’ It’s really quite simple.

"First, cancer affects everyone in one way or another. We have either had it ourselves, are going to get it, or know someone who has it. Today all you have to do is look at the numbers. Cancer affects one out of every two men and one out of every three women in this nation. When you consider those numbers — that means it is a personal issue — to each and every member of this association. So, we’re reaching out to our members, and non-members, asking them to help in this fight. There are thousands of men, women, boys and girls out there officiating youth games, high school, collegiate and even professional contests. We hope they will want to take part in this campaign.

"Working in partnership with The V Foundation makes good sense to us for other reasons as well. We did our homework about the organization and their commitment and dedication to battling this disease is remarkable. The accomplishments of The V Foundation, what they have done in just a few years is quite impressive. The list of grants and the manner in which they determine how these grants are issued is done in a thoroughly professional and studied manner. Donors can certainly be proud.

"You know, there might be some of you here today saying, "Jim Valvano was a coach. He was the enemy!" You’re right, he was a coach and a darn good one. And yes, sometimes coaches don’t always agree with the official. But Jim Valvano came from officiating stock. I don’t know if you are aware that Coach V’s father was a basketball referee — a highly respected official from New York. So, Jim Valvano was an official’s kind of guy. And the V Foundation is our kind of partnership.

"Jim told his team and has told thousands of cancer victims and survivors through his words, ‘Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.’ Well, NASO is here to say, ‘We hear you Coach Jimmy! And we’re ready to help blow the whistle on cancer!’ Thank you."

ESPN radio commentator Bob Valvano, Jim’s younger brother, served as the press conference host.

Nick Valvano, brother of Jim and executive director of the Raleigh, N.C. based V Foundation introduced the campaign to the room filled with both members of the national and local media in New York. He shared with the audience the history of the foundation’s beginning and its vision.

Also in the audience were several officials who themselves are cancer survivors. NFL Director of Officiating Mike Pereira, NHL referee and 2001 NASO Gold Whistle Award honoree Paul Stewart attended the conference and endorsed the campaign.

NASO members can learn more about how to participate in the "Blow the Whistle on Cancer" campaign by going to The V Foundation website at www.jimmyv.org. The 1/03 issue of Referee magazine will also have a two-page advertisement with a donation envelope included for readers.

"Local associations can participate as a group, or individual officials can donate," said NASO Communications Manager Bob Still. "If an association wants to pass out donation envelopes to their members they should call my office and NASO will send them the requested number."