Nov. 2, 2015
COLUMBIA, S.C. – For the second-consecutive year, South Carolina men’s tennis is putting down its rackets and picking up its razors to raise funds and awareness for men’s health issues.
The Gamecocks, led by head coach Josh Goffi, are changing the face of men’s health by participating in the Movember Challenge, a health initiative that urges men to grow a mustache throughout the month of November to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health issues.
“It’s something that is close to home,” head coach Josh Goffi said. “More and more, you come into contact with friends or personal relatives that have suffered from male illnesses. Hopefully this is something that catches on around Columbia. We are encouraging the team to get out there and be passionate about it because this is an important time in their life to look outward. They’re constantly working to develop themselves as student-athletes, but it’s important to recognize the impact they can have on people around them as well.”
In 2014, South Carolina men’s tennis participated in “Movember,” and with the help of the community, exceeded their goal of $1,000 by raising more than $1,600 for the Movember Foundation. This year, the team is raising the bar, setting a goal of $2,000. The team has a designated donation page on the Movember Foundation website where fans can donate.
“The most important part is that we reach a lot of people and talk about the cause,” sophomore Gabriel Friedrich said. “We overacheived on our goal last year, and that was big time. I think it’s for a great cause that a lot of people still aren’t aware of. I get a lot of questions, especially when people get close to me, and then I get to talk to them about why we are doing it.”
Twelve years strong, the Movember Foundation is a global charity committed to men living happier, healthier, longer lives by creating positive change for men’s health by raising awareness and educating men year-round, and through the month-long November campaign.
To make a donation through the South Carolina men’s tennis Movember web site, visit http://moteam.co/gamecock-tennis. Fans are also encouraged to interact with the team on Twitter (@GamecockMTennis) using #MovemberSC.
