THE OHIO VALLEY Athletic Conference is well recognized as being the nation’s largest functioning prep conference. The OVAC — 50 schools strong — has served as a showcase for local student-athletes for more than 60 years.

The conference — in partnership with Wheeling Hospital — has once again exhibited it is concerned with more than just athletics. The two local heavyweights are joining forces to promote a worthwhile medical cause.

Wheeling Hospital hosted a press conference last week at the Howard Long Wellness Center. In attendance were representatives of 21 OVAC-member schools and a host of the hospital’s medical and administrative personnel.

The gathering was staged to unveil plans to raise awareness in the battle against breast cancer, one of the nation’s deadliest diseases. To help promote the case, Wheeling Hospital has enlisted the assistance of the OVAC and its 49 football-playing schools.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To bring heightened attention to the passionate fight, local prep grid teams will be sporting pink-ribbon decals on their helmets, beginning this Friday and running the balance of the season.

Moreover, each school is receiving posters and related literature concerning breast cancer. The information will be displayed at stadiums throughout the valley to bring fans into the loop.

The pink decals are being used to promote awareness to the disease. Early detection is key in the fight to beat breast cancer. Mammograms and self-testing are vital to a women’s well-being in that regard.

With that said, the OVAC’s football assistance will only enhance women’s awarenesses concerning breast cancer and the steps needed to combat it. The adage says that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

We tip our helmets to the OVAC and Wheeling Hospital. Football is the ultimate team game, and the OVAC and the Wheeling Hospital are showing that such teamwork can go a long way in the game of saving lives.