An Amazing Night at the Oakland Rec Field

Spending time with other people can create some of the most special memories in one’s life. Youth sports whether on the field or in the stands, very often is a part of those incredible experiences. On Saturday October 20th one of those special nights took place on the Edward Delmour Football Field.

Every year the football and cheerleading programs honor Breast Cancer Awareness month by incorporating the color pink within their uniforms. This year the programs celebrated a very special “Pink-Out Night”, where the field was lined and trimmed in the color as well as pink ribbons painted directly on the football field.

With the hue of pink radiating from the entire field, the night was ready to take on a higher meaning than just youth sports.

Prior to each game, breast cancer survivors and family members of those who suffered from this terrible disease were honored on the football field. This included not only family members from Oakland, but also those affected by our guest from West Milford.

Singing the National Anthem for the Pink-Out was Grace Lustig who is the daughter of an Oakland breast cancer survivor. The coin toss included family members from both teams affected by this disease, as they were invited as honorary captains. When they walked back towards the sideline each one was presented with a pink carnation by football players and cheerleaders; later they were also given a vase to hold their flowers.

Saying there wasn’t a dry eye in the house would be an understatement; as the joy of support and love from companionship enveloped the night. So many are going through recovery while others may be mourning the loss of a loved one; the support everyone felt that night was tremendous.

Oakland and West Milford demonstrated the type of unity that teaches the athletes there are things in life bigger than sports. Yet, competitive events can bring people together for something greater than the contest. Our young people got to see the strength and perseverance that comes from the struggle of those battling such challenges.

It was an amazing and special that took a lot of hard work from the recreation case of volunteers. When events like this unite our borough they need to be celebrated. Over the years there have been some very special moments at our parks including the most recent 9/11 ceremony earlier this fall, and this “Pink-Out” ranks right up there with every one of them!