Sports Shorts

Blowing the whistle on cancer

Amanda Tipton AREAWIDE — During the week of February 8-13, basketball officials across the country, including those from the Tri-Valley Conference-East and all Genesee County Coaches Officials are participating in a voluteer effort to raise awareness for cancer research by using pink whistles in all levels of contests. The campaign, called Blow the Whistle on Cancer, is an awareness campaign for the Jimmy V Foundation. Officials in our area will be participationg by wearing pink whistles and/or pink shoelaces in all levels of boys and girls basketball games. Details: www.jimmyv.org — L.P. Local athlete thrives with Lady Warriors

FORT WAYNE, IN — Amanda Tipton, a 2007 Bentley grad, has used her athletic prowess as a path to higher learning, playing the guard position for the women’s basketball team at the Indiana Institute of Technology. This season Tipton has taken the court for all 23 of the Lady Warriors’ contests, averaging 6.83 points, 2.78 rebounds and 1.13 steals per game as of last Friday.

Highlights for the 5- foot-6 junior include a season-high 18 points against World Harvest Baptist College Nov. 17, on Dec. 31 Tipton scored 15 with three boards and two assists in a 64-62 win over Taylor University, and Jan. 23 the former Lady Bulldog gave a 13-point, two-block and three-assist performance in an 87-120 loss to Davenport University. — M.S. Women’s only athletic event

BURTON — The IMA Recreation Association, 6045 Davison Rd, is offering cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or a walk on a 5k trail through Brookwood Golf Course Feb. 6 from 1-6 p.m. in its annual Wine, Women and Chocolate. The event will feature hospitailty tents from vendors such as Madden’s Lounge, Buffalo Wild Wings, the 501 Bar and Grille, Great Harvest Bread Company and Tasty Layers. Also available will be a wine tasting and pampering, which will feature manicures, foot massages, chair massages, make-up tips, hair refreshers and more.

Cost is $50 per person, individuals must be 21 years old and proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Flint and the IMA.

Details: spinder@imarecreation.org

or 810-249-7058. — M.S. On-ice opportunities at Ice Mountain

BURTON — The Ice Mountain Arena Complex, 5371 Avalanche Dr., has several offerings available for the new year, including an ongoing hockey skills development program that runs through mid May for $15 per session. Classes take place Saturday from 11-11:50 a.m. and full hockey equipment is required.

Also open for enrollment is the venues Learn to Skate program, which also runs Saturdays from 11- 11:50 a.m. for $15 per course through mid May. Helmet, glove, elbow and knee protection is reccomended. Details: 810-744-0800,

fax 810-744-3956 or i cemonutainrules@

aol.com. — M.S. Affordable athletic opportunity

GOODRICH — The Victory World Outreach Church, 10291 Green Rd., is offering a Free Community Gym every first and third Friday until April 16 from 8-10:30 p.m. While those under 10 must be accompanied by an adult, all ages are welcome and available activities include basketball, dodge ball, ping pong and air hockey.

Details: 810-636-2100 or www.victoryworldoutreach.

org. — M.S. Half-dozen former Wolverines in big game

MIAMI, FL — This weekend’s Superbowl 44 may have more area ties than originally expected, as six U-M products will be taking the field, including Colts running back Mike Hart (2004-07) and cornerback Marlin Jackson (2001-04). As for the Saints, their cast of former Wolverines include wide receiver Adrian Arrington (2004-07) and center Jonathan Goodwin (1999-02), as well as assistant coaches Mike Mallory and Terry Malone. While Indianapolis is making its second title game appearance in the last five years, New Orleans has never before progressed this far into NFL postseason waters.— M.S.