The #SportsmanshipTogether series follows examples of good sportsmanship and programs doing things the right way in an effort to highlight the positive things seen across the NCHSAA during the Association's "Sportsmanship … Together we make the right call" campaign. If you see an example of excellent sportsmanship at an NCHSAA member school or event, please contact James Alverson of the NCHSAA with the details (james@nchsaa.org).

CONCORD, N.C. – Last Thursday's Volleyball match between Cox Mill and Hickory Ridge had the potential to be like any other match between two cross-county rivals, but thanks to the hard work of many student-athletes, coaches and the community, it was much more. 

Last year a student named Elijah, a fifth grader at Cox Mill Elementary, lost his courageous battle with cancer, and the foundation named in his honor "Prayers for Elijah" became a rallying point for the Cox Mill Volleyball team. Junior Volleyball player, Courtney Weber was particularly impacted, and has helped plan and organize the school's campaign to support the foundation which is dedicated to advancing research and supporting treatment options for pediatric cancer patients.

For the match against Hickory Ridge, Cox Mill was putting on their second annual #BeBoldForGold charity match, raising awareness for Childhood Cancer Awareness month and raising money for the Prayers for Elijah Foundation. The Cox Mill Community came together with players and parents donating money as well as wearing special gold warm-up shirts for the match. Players decorated the gym after school with gold posters and streamers. The Athletic Booster Club at Cox Mill and athletic department agreed to donate 10% of ALL concession sales on the day of the game and 10% of all ticket sales at the gate respectively.

Cox Mill sold raffle tickets during the matches on Thursday and raffled off #BeBoldForGold T-shirts, Large Pizzas, Prayers for Elijah Foundation Items and even a golden volleyball.

To aid in the efforts, Hickory Ridge held a 50/50 raffle at their home game just prior to the event, donating the proceeds to the cause. Between the two communities, over $1,000 dollars was raised to support the foundation. The team will encourage other fall sports programs at the school to "Go Gold" in September starting next year.

Another great example of how competitors on the court can come together through great sportsmanship and passion for their communities to do something great, and this week's #SportsmanshipTogether highlight!