GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – The No. 6 Gators gymnastics team will host No. 13 Arkansas for the 18th annual Link to Pink meet.
The meet, sponsored by UF Health, is also a show of support for the fight against breast cancer. It aims to raise awareness about breast cancer prevention and treatment, according to Florida’s gymnastics program. They say it is a part of a Southeastern Conference initiative and many teams will compete in a “pink” meet during the season.
“This Friday will undoubtedly be full of energy and be able to compete for a greater cause,” stated head coach Jenny Rowland in a news conference Tuesday.
For one of her gymnasts, the Link to Pink meet hits close to home. Gators senior gymnast Chloi Clark wears a pink ribbon in her hair every meet in honor of her mother, Rhondi, who battled breast cancer successfully within the last year.
“I think it’s really cool that I can show all the little girls and families [that] if they know someone that’s struggling, or has gone through breast cancer, just to honor them,” said Clark. “But [it’s] also just as a reminder of how important my mom is to me,” said Clark, adding how important it is that she’s doing something bigger than gymnastics and something bigger than herself.
Clark says the meet already meant a lot to her, but with her mother’s personal battle it means that much more.
“She’s just been the biggest support system. She really means the world to me,” expressed Clark, describing her mother. “It’s just so inspiring. I mean, she really went through such a battle. It was obviously difficult as a family and just to see her come out so well; and she had a positive attitude through the whole thing.”
Clark added that her mom has been her motivation day in and day out.
“It inspires me every day. When I’m having a bad day, I’m like, ‘If my mom can deal with and battle cancer then I can do the littlest things,'” said Clark.
The program says Clark’s mother will be one of the survivors welcoming the team into the arena Friday evening.
“I’m going to feel a lot of emotions, but I’m going to be so excited to see her on the floor,” commented Clark, noting that her mother went through such a battle while maintaining a strong and positive attitude. “I’m excited to see her.”
Florida currently holds a solid standing at sixth, boasting a record of 5-1, and will be looking to add a win while doing it for a great cause.
The meet will be held in the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on Friday, Feb. 9, at 7:15 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m. If you don’t have tickets, you’ll have to catch it during their first live appearance on ESPN or on the SEC Network, as the meet is sold out.