March 13, 2015

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – In recognition of national NO MORE Week, an awareness campaign aimed at ending domestic violence and sexual assault in the United States, the Bloomington Flex and Champaign Swarm joined forces during last night’s game at U.S. Cellular Coliseum to lend their combined voices to the effort, with a joint appearance on the court between the third and fourth quarters of their battle for first place in the Midwest Professional Basketball Association.

Prior to the game, each player had his picture taken with an official NO MORE sign, each with a different unique message saying what should no longer be tolerated.  Those pictures were then tweeted during the game, as well as shown on the large video board during breaks in the action.

Finally, between the third and fourth quarters, the players and coaches came onto the court to hold up their individual signs, facing the crowd in each direction for several seconds to allow fans to take pictures.  Fans were then encouraged to group tweet those pictures with the hashtag #NOMORE.

"The Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence is moved and inspired by our partners at the MPBA and their amazing efforts to say "NO MORE," said Kim Wells, Executive Director of the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence (CAEPV).

"The feedback we have received by the MPBA's outreach and commitment is more assurance that when we choose to say 'NO MORE,' we truly change the conversation.  No one can ever know how many lives have been changed -- or saved -- because of their efforts," Wells said.

“I’m so proud of these guys for finding it important enough to do this during the game,” said Ed Schumer, Commissioner of the MPBA.  “This is an effort we’re really behind, and we wanted to do something during NO MORE Week to spread the NO MORE message.”

NOMORE.org granted official recognition to the event at the Coliseum, one of a handful of events across the State of Illinois throughout the week.

Those interested in finding out more about domestic violence and sexual assault prevention, or in need of support resources, should visit www.CAEPV.org or www.NOMORE.org.  If you see, hear, or suspect someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.