Thinking Pink – Showing our True Colours
This weekend across the WorkSafe VCFL you may notice a slightly different colour taking centre stage on the football field, the netball court and with the umpires.
The colour is pink, and the reason is 2011 Pink Footy and Netball Day.
Pink Footy and Netball Day is now in its third year. It is a campaign that was initiated by the WorkSafe VCFL in partnership with Breast Cancer Network Australia and Netball Victoria. In two years Pink Footy and Netball Day has contributed over $200,000 directly to BCNA.
We are very proud that this campaign is now having a national impact with football clubs, netball associations and Auskick centres in NSW, ACT, WA and South Australia picking up on the theme to recognise and support women in their clubs and communities in a meaningful way.
Families that have had a diagnosis of breast cancer will tell you how frightening and confusing the time is for all members of the family.
What families need in this scenario is the most up to date and current information on how they can tackle their journey back to good health. They also need the support from women and families that have been through the journey themselves and can talk with empathy, honesty and experience.
BCNA provides this support to women and families.
Football netball clubs and umpiring associations are no different to any other community group in society. We will have members and players, who at different stages will be facing their own personal battles with their health, or with the health of a loved one.
Our clubs and associations provide a very important network of support in these times. ‘Looking after your mates’ is one of the mantras of community sport and it is no more pertinent when ill health is concerned.
Breast cancer is not just a women’s issue. Every woman in country football that is diagnosed with breast cancer is a sister, a partner, a mother, a family member or a friend of man. A diagnosis of breast cancer can be a stressful time for men who are required to support their partner through the process - emotionally and physically. We must be aware and ready to rally around the men and families at our club when breast cancer strikes a family.
I wish all clubs a fantastic 2011 Pink Footy and Netball Day this weekend. Your efforts are appreciated by the entire community and you have made a real difference to the lives of many women and their families through your support of this campaign.
For those of you at the football and netball today, please dig deep to support the efforts of the host club.
To all families who are currently facing breast cancer, please take the strength and solidarity from the country football and netball community with you on your journey.
Glenn Scott
CEO
WorkSafe VCFL
Further information on BCNA and the support offered can be found at www.bcna.org.au
Last Modified on 13/05/2011 19:05