Photo Credit: Cricket South Africa
Ahead of Sunday’s highly-anticipated encounter between the Proteas and the Netherlands, Rachel Kolisi has made a passionate plea for South Africans to make their presence felt at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in recognition of the iconic Betway Pink ODI.
As ever, the Pink ODI is a flagship fixture on the cricket calendar, and spectators are particularly encouraged to ‘pitch up in pink’ in support of cancer awareness and early detection. This year also marks the sixth anniversary of the Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital Breast Care Unit benefiting from the proceeds of this remarkable sporting event.
In recognition of this legacy project, CSA and commercial partner Roc Nation Sports International have collaborated to ensure an enthralling ‘summer of cricket’ concludes with innovative matchday activations aimed at incorporating education, information and entertainment that celebrates the worthy cause at the heart of this One Day International.
Notably, a large portion of this drive will be led by Rachel Kolisi, who will be sharing video messages about the Pink Day cause, fund-raising details as well as the importance of cancer awareness, early detection and life-changing treatment.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, Rachel called on South Africans to unite behind a worthy cause.
“Sunday will be a day of hope and progress as we work together against breast cancer. With over a decade of awareness and progress in raising funds, as well as educating via this Pink Day event, we continue to unite against breast cancer.
“When we work together we have the power to change lives through empowerment, education and breaking social taboos. Please give as generously as you can to ensure this is the most impactful Pink ODI ever.”
The matchday messaging will aim to serve as a celebration of an incredible cause, and to ensure that the exciting on-field action is complemented by the activations around the ground, which will amplify the power of sport and how it really can change the world.
As part of this memorable occasion, title sponsors Betway are also coming to the party and will be donating R1,000 for every four and R2,000 for every six that is hit by either team on Sunday.
“It’s a great privilege for us to be able to use our sponsorship of the Betway Pink Day to benefit such a worthy cause and to assist the amazing work being done by the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital,” said Mark Rowles, Head of Marketing at Betway.
“Our donation mechanic also allows the players to directly contribute towards the cause purely by doing what they do best and entertaining what we hope will be a great crowd.”
Michael Yormark, the president of Roc Nation Sports International, said it was an absolute privilege for the world-renowned sports agency to have played a part in facilitating the messaging around breast cancer awareness.
“The Betway Pink ODI is about so much more than just the game, and we want to ensure that this day – and especially what it stands for – remains firmly entrenched in the memories of supporters long after they have left the ground.”
Besides a percentage of gate-takings going towards the Pink ODI fund, the players themselves will also effectively be contributing to the cause through Betway’s boundary-hitting campaign. Fans can also support this initiative by dressing up in pink at their homes, posting pictures to the various social media platforms, pledging pink and donating on a designated QR code. #BePartOfIt #PledgePink
Name of Author: Cricket South Africa
Cricket South Africa (CSA) governs cricket in South Africa. Formed in 2002, it succeeded the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCB) and became the sole governing body in 2008. CSA oversees all levels of cricket, including national teams for men and women, and is a full ICC member and SASCOC affiliate.
