Baseball Victoria received correspondence from Vicsport this afternoon asking that all sports show their support for those directly affected by the tragic events in Tyabb yesterday. Please read the following release and if you can, please wear a black arm band this weekend.
Friday, 14 February 2014
VICTORIAN SPORTS COMMUNITY STANDS AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
The Victorian sporting community is devastated by the tragic events at the Tyabb Cricket Club on Wednesday evening which resulted in the loss of 11 year old Luke Batty and his father.
Vicsport has been contacted by numerous people from within the sports community shocked by the tragedy who want to show their support of Luke’s family and friends, and to the members and families associated with the Tyabb Cricket Club.
Following on from tributes by the Australian Cricket Team last night in South Africa and the Victorian Bushrangers who will wear black arm bands in Sydney today, Vicsport (supported by Cricket Victoria), calls on Victorian sporting participants and teams* to show their support by wearing black arm bands over this weekend’s schedule of matches and events.
Vicsport CEO Mark McAllion said “The black arm bands will not only signify support for those directly affected by the dreadful incident in Tyabb, but will also show the sporting community’s recognition and support of efforts to address domestic violence and related mental health problems in the community.”
Those experiencing issues related to domestic violence and mental health are strongly encouraged to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For further information, please contact Mark McAllion on 0432 426 477 or markm@vicsport.asn.au
*Individual clubs/organisations should make case-by-case decisions as to whether this request extends to junior teams and participants, particularly those under 16 year old. Appropriate age levels should be taken into account with any decision to participate by wearing black arm bands.
Vicsport is the peak body representing Victoria’s sport and active recreation sector. Vicsport directly represents the needs and concerns of over 170 member organisations who in turn represent the 16,000+ clubs and associations and in excess of 1.8 million Victorian participants and volunteers in the sport and active recreation community. Vicsport’s essential purpose is to advance Victorian sport and active recreation, by building the capacity and capability of members and stakeholders to encourage and enable greater participation.
-ENDS-