AFL fans, no matter who they barrack for, are encouraged to help turn the MCG pink on Mother’s Day weekend in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
The AFL and BCNA today announced that the inaugural Pink Lady Match will take place in Round Six of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season between Melbourne Football Club and Sydney Swans at the MCG on Saturday 9 May 2015.
The Pink Lady Match is an opportunity for all footy fans to celebrate their mums on Mother’s Day weekend while raising much needed funds and awareness for BCNA, a national organisation which works to ensure Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best support, information, treatment and care.
Every day, 42 Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer and seven will lose their lives to the disease. This year alone, 15,600 Australian women and 145 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
The Pink Lady Match was officially launched at a special breakfast hosted by the Melbourne Football Club at the MCG this morning.
Christine Nolan, BCNA CEO, said BCNA and the AFL were keen to build upon the success of last year’s unforgettable Field of Women event by holding a special pink match this year.
“For the first time, the iconic MCG will glow pink on both the inside and outside of the stadium in support of the one in eight Australian women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer,” Christine said.
“We hope that the Pink Lady Match will be a spectacular event in Melbourne’s sporting calendar, bringing families together to say thank you to their mums, while raising awareness and funds for BCNA.”
Christine also announced that Red Energy has joined forces with BCNA as the event partner for the Pink Lady Match.
“Red Energy is a leading Australian energy company and we are delighted that they have come on board to power the pre-match entertainment on the evening. Red Energy has a strong commitment to sustainability and the Australian community and is closely aligned with BCNA’s values,” Christine said.
The Pink Lady Match will also feature special pre-match entertainment followed by a moment of silence to acknowledge all those touched by breast cancer.
There will also be a mass planting of Pink Lady silhouettes outside the MCG, with visitors encouraged to write a personal message on a silhouette to show their support for someone diagnosed with breast cancer or pay tribute to a loved one lost.
Dorothy Hisgrove, AFL general manager, People, Customer and Community, said the Pink Lady Match is one of a number of AFL initiatives to celebrate women and their contribution to Australia’s Game.
“Together with Breast Cancer Network Australia, we aim to raise funds to support the 15, 000 Australian women affected by breast cancer each year, while recognising the many important roles women play in our industry on and off the field.
“This year, the AFL will celebrate 100 years of female football and is proud to hold two women exhibition matches prior to the Melbourne v Western Bulldogs clashes during the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
“Held on the eve of Mother’s Day, The Pink Lady Match is a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the contribution women make to our game, whether as players, coaches, administrators or supporters, and we encourage all AFL fans to take part in this special occasion,” said Ms Hisgrove.
The AFL has extended its support for breast cancer beyond the Pink Lady Match, with NAB AFL Auskick centres across Australia encouraged to take part in BCNA’s Pink Sports Day on Mother’s Day weekend to show support for local women and families in their community affected by breast cancer. NAB AFL Auskickers at the Melbourne v Sydney Swans match will wear pink during half-time on field.
Special general admission tickets for the Pink Lady Match are now available for $25 from the BCNA website.
All proceeds from tickets sold through www.bcna.org.au will be donated back to BCNA to ensure it can continue its work supporting Australians with breast cancer and their families. BCNA acknowledges the generous support of its sponsors in making this possible.
For further information and to purchase tickets to the Pink Lady Match, please visit www.bcna.org.au
