Thousands Of Gymnasts Compete At Philadelphia Breast Cancer Event
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Thousands of young athletes closed out a three-day competition at the Pennsylvania Convention Center that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for breast cancer.
From sunglasses to flip-flops to wings and halos, 3,500 gymnasts clad in pink leotards took to the bars, to the vault and to the mats for the 8th annual Pink Invitational.
"When we see these girls wearing pink, it takes on a whole other meaning for us," said Sue Weldon, 12-year breast cancer survivor and founder Unite For Her, a nonprofit group that pays for wellness treatments, like massage and yoga classes for 1,000 women a year.
"Acupuncture saved my life, hands down, everything from depression, anxiety bone pain," she said. But none of that is covered by insurance, and so we want to fill that gap."
Weldon's group will get 100% of the $400,000 proceeds from the event that includes 87 gyms and five colleges from across the country. The event also educates girls on how to steer clear of cancer causing chemicals.
"It's so cool," said one participant. I like competitions and raising money for a good cause is even better."
