Photo: 2020 Pink Sports Day - Port Melbourne Mariners Baseball Club
Port Melbourne Baseball Club is raising funds and awareness for Australians affected by breast cancer through a special Pink Sports Day this weekend, building on the success from last year’s event, which raised $1,000 dollars for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
The second annual event is set for Sunday, 31 January starting at 12:30pm at the Mariners home ground at Murphy Reserve. Pink Sports Day is a worthwhile cause for the club as breast cancer has directly affected several of its members. This is also an opportunity to pay tribute to and thank the women who tirelessly support the club.
With a luncheon, guest speakers, and raffles ahead of the club’s games v Williamstown, Pink Sports Day will bring the community together to raise awareness and continue the conversation about breast cancer and what can be done to help in the fight against the fifth-leading cause of cancer death in Australia.
Port Melbourne Head Coach and Committee Member Ben Burke says they are expecting to have twice as many attendees as last year and have local council members in attendance, including Mayor Louise Crawford, Deputy Mayor Marcus Pearl, and councillor Heather Cunsolo.
“There is also a special guest speaker for the day who is a breast cancer survivor who will provide her inspirational story, and Marita O’Keefe from BCNA who will talk about the great work BCNA is performing for those in need,” Burke said.
The Mariners are excited to raise money for a great cause while also showcasing the club’s strong sense of community. “There has been an encouraging response from the local community with numerous businesses donating raffle prizes, giveaways and contributing to the day in some way,” Burke said. “Hopefully we can make a positive difference in someone’s life.”
The club has recently seen a large influx of senior players, allowing them to field a Division 2 Fourths team for the first time in several years while also expanding their junior program. “We hope to build on a community-based culture through the Pink Sports Day,” Burke said. “All players will be sporting pink playing caps for the day, as well as specially-made pink playing socks. We should have a sea of pink which will add to the atmosphere with some live music.”
Burke and the rest of the club committee are appreciative of the support for Pink Sports Day and looking forward to the event and the future of the club. “All money that is raised on the day through ticket sales, donations and raffles will be pledged to BCNA, and hopefully the women of the PMBC will have a wonderful, inspirational day,” Burke said. “We have some exciting progress on the horizon for the club, including upgrades to facilities and field, and expansion of sessions into the local schools. It is a really good time to be a part of the club and build us a foundation that will take us from good to great.”
Click HERE to visit the Port Melbourne Mariners website and click HERE to learn more about Breast Cancer Network Australia.