By Chad Klassen

TRU volleyball teams coming together to stand up against sexual violence

Jan 25, 2018 | 3:27 PM

KAMLOOPS — As more women all around the world who have experienced sexually violence speak up, the TRU volleyball teams are standing together in solidarity and fighting back against sexual violence they or others have experienced. 

“I have my own story,” said TRU volleyball player Kaitlin Lomas, who helped to organized a purple shirt initiative for Friday night’s games. “I’d say almost every women that I know has a story and I’d say that goes for most people across the country. Even if they don’t have a story themselves, they know someone who does.”

During the warm-ups on Friday night, the women and men’s teams, as well as their opponent, the Calgary Dinos, will be wearing purple shirts to show their support. 

“We have these purple shirts we are wearing. The U of C Dinos, the visiting team, as well as the women’s team will be wearing them for warm-up, then handing them off to the crowd,” said Lomas. “Our men’s team will also be wearing the shirt. It’s important for us to involve the men in this project.”

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Women’s volleyball coach Chad Grimm, who also played at the University College of the Cariboo, says it’s critically important to have the men’s team also participating. 

“Men also just being aware of what they can do to help bring awareness and what they need to do in order to help promote this event,” said Grimm. “And letting their peers know what is acceptable and what is not acceptable, and kind of taking ownership over their role in sexual violence that happens.”

The Wolfpack have put together a PSA ahead of Friday’s “purple shirt” initiative that will air during the weekend webcast as well as on traditional media like CFJC-TV. 

“Definitely got inspiration from other videos. It’s a great medium to get a message across nationally and internationally. We have people who watch us across the country and around the world, so to broadcast that during the game really helps us spread that message,” noted Lomas. 

Lomas is also encouraging anyone attending Friday’s games to wear purple themselves to send a strong message.