Staff Writer

Feb. 13, 2001 10 PM

When one thinks of pennants, one thinks of championships.

This year, the March of Dimes is making "champions" out of those who support the life-saving efforts of the organization.

When the local WalkAmerica is held on March 31, there will be pink, blue, yellow and white pennants along in the "Field of Hope" and along the walk route. Each pink and blue pennant will symbolize the life of girls and boys born healthy. A yellow pennant will announce the pending birth of a child and the white pennants will serve as memorials to those who lost the fight.

The March of Dimes’ purpose is to raise money so that few white pennants will be seen. Through its fund-raising efforts the March of Dimes supports research and brings awareness to issues such as low birth-weight babies and birth defects.

This year, one of those fund-raising efforts is through the pastel pennants.

For $5 apiece, a name can be written on the pennant as a symbol of life and the money will go toward helping other parents realize their dream of having a healthy baby.

Dianne Smith, chairwoman for the local WalkAmerica, wants to raise $45,000 this year and thinks the pennants are a great way, especially with professional pitcher and Pike County native Brian Meadows being the honorary walk chairman.

"I think it’s a neat way to promote the mission of the March of Dimes," Smith said of the pennants.

"We’re all here to give babies a chance. No baby deserves to fight for breath and life." she said of the tiny babies who, at birth, are sometimes small enough to fit in the palm of an adult’s hand.

In addition to helping save the lives of babies, WalkAmerica is a time of fun. And, all that fun will begin at 9 a.m., March 31 on the TSU campus when the first person takes that first step.

Smith said, the pennants can be picked up after the walk and taken home.

Anyone who would like to purchase a pennant can contact Smith at 566-9575 or at 372-0812.