BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – On Saturday, January 12, the Gardner-Webb men and women's basketball teams – led by head coaches Tim Craft and Alex Simmons – will come together to participate in Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer.

Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer is a project of the Go4theGoal Foundation, a national pediatric cancer non-profit that makes a difference in the lives of children battling cancer. As part of the doubleheader, the Gardner-Webb basketball teams will wear gold shoelaces to show their support for Go4theGoal and children across the country who are battling cancer.

"I'm excited about the pediatric cancer game," said Simmons, who is in her first year as head coach of the women's basketball team. "As a former student-athlete and having spent the past 10 years as a coach, I have learned there are much bigger things than wins and losses on the court. The fact that our basketball programs are able to give back and represent a cause such as pediatric cancer is a huge win in life."

Go4theGoal was founded in 2006, and its unwavering mission is to improve the lives of children battling cancer through financial support, the implementation of unique hospital programs, innovative research and the granting of personal wishes.

Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer started in 2011 in response to youth soccer teams in New Jersey that wanted to join the fight against cancer. Today, teams across the country – of various sports and competition levels – have laced up gold shoes laces prior to a designated game to join Goal4theGoal in supporting children who are battling cancer and their families.

The shoe laces cost $5 and $4 from every sale in addition to 100% of donations go back to helping children with cancer and their families in the state that the funds were raised.

"These families go through so much emotionally and physically," stated Simmons. "I felt moved to help in any way possible. Giving kids a chance is our passion, so why give a chance at continuing to life a healthy life? We are honored to represent a great cause and help these families."

The doubleheader will begin at 2 p.m. on January 12, as the Runnin' Bulldogs women's team hosts Big South Conference rival High Point. The day will conclude with the men's contest against USC Upstate, which is set for a 5 p.m. tipoff.

To purchase tickets to the doubleheader, call the Gardner-Webb Athletics ticket office at (704) 406-4340. For more information on Go4theGoal and Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer or to make a donation, click here.