World Footy News

 

Below is a press release from the AFLNT which details their own Cancer Council’s Call To Arms round this weekend to highlight the impacts of cancer on all Australians - in this case the people of the Northern Territory.

 

According to the Cancer Council’s own website, “in 2006, despite a decision by the Australian Football League (AFL) to the contrary, Essendon Football Club players wore yellow armbands, in the inaugural Clash For Cancer match against Melbourne Football Club, to support team-mate Adam Ramanauskas who was undergoing intensive treatment for yet another cancer diagnosis.

 

The AFL fined Essendon $20,000 for wearing the armbands, and later agreed that the fine could be donated to Cancer Council, Essendon's preferred charity.

 

In 2007, the AFL agreed to allow yellow armbands to be incorporated into the sleeve of the Essendon jumper for subsequent Clash For Cancer matches.

 

Call To Arms was developed in Victoria in 2007, as an extension of the Clash For Cancer match, and involves any sporting club to wear yellow armbands and fundraise for Cancer Council during a match in July.”

 

With the Northern Territory Football League playing in the summer months rather than winter, their Call To Arms round is held at a different time to the rest of the country. The press release from the AFLNT reads:

 

A tradition spanning over a number of years of the TIO NTFL, Round 17, will again see club’s come together to raise awareness of key cancer statistics.

This weekend’s Round 17 is one of remembrance for those members of the Northern Territory Football Family who have been lost, those who have suffered, and those who are suffering from cancer as well as loved ones.

Yellow arm bands will be worn by players and support staff throughout round 17.

AFL Northern Territory Stakeholder Engagement Manager Joel Bowden said he encourages players to don the bright yellow this weekend.

“There is a very important awareness message we are promoting through the Call to Arm’s round,” Bowden said.

“We hope spectators watching this weekend at the various grounds, across AFLNTv! online, or see imagery from the round see the yellow armbands and that starts a much needed conversation about cancer awareness”.

“Cancer touches the lives of many, both directly and indirectly, refusing to discriminate and by raising awareness we can assist the Cancer Council in advancing their quest for a cure”.

Kathy Sadler, Cancer Council NT CEO said that up to one third of cancers that affect Australian men can be prevented.

“Cancer deaths could be reduced significantly by choosing a cancer smart lifestyle which includes reducing exposure to risk factors including tobacco, obesity, physical inactivity and alcohol,” said Kathy.

One in two men will be diagnosed with cancer of some kind by the time they turn 85, the Call to Arms campaign sees sportspeople of all ages and all codes fundraise for cancer research.

 

Those wanting more information about the NTFL Call to Arms round can contact the AFLNT via their website at: http://www.aflnt.com.au/ .

 

For more information of the Call To Arms rounds and their connections to the community you can visit the Cancer Council’s website at: http://www.calltoarms.com.au/about/media