PINKDAY: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS THE WINNER

Not even the predictions of continued torrential downpours around Gauteng this weekend could put a damper on the 2020 Imperial Wanderers Momentum ODI PinkDay. With the 2^nd Momentum ODI in Durban coming to an abrupt halt due to rain on Friday night, South Africa’s Standard Bank Proteas went into the 3^rd Momentum ODI one match in the lead, making PinkDay the decider of the series. The weather played ball for the game against the ICC Cricket World Cup Champions and ICC World Number 1 ranked team England who came out tops come Sunday evening.

The hosts South Africa raised funds for breast cancer awareness by wearing their limited-edition pink kit for the 9^th consecutive year, with this being the first time that the opposition joined the initiative by sporting a similar pink attire. The gesture was well received by the capacity crowd at the BullRing, who were equally enthusiastic in adhering to the “Pitch up in Pink” dress code.

Despite the on-field loss, R1,3 million financial contribution pledges were raised for the event beneficiary, the Charlotte Maxeke Breast Care Clinic, for continued breast cancer research.

“The impact that this day has for breast cancer patients and their families who will benefit from the proceeds is quite literally life-changing,” said Central Gauteng Lions CEO, Jono Leaf-Wright. “It’s an incredibly proud moment as both a cricket fan and a South African, to witness the support from the teams and fans for a cause which affects so many. Absolutely fantastic to bear witness to the impact sport can have on societal challenges.”

“Cricket fans were treated to a near-seamless experience, including the pilot of in-stadium Uber Eats app enabling them to skip the queues and collect ordered food once ready,” says Central Gauteng Lions Marketing and Communications Head, Wanele Mngomezulu. “If the cricket wasn’t action enough, spectators were treated to a show-stopping performance by Sho Majozi who recently performed at the American Super Bowl LIV weekend alongside the Black Eyed Peas, Halsey and Diplo in Miami in the USA.

A huge thank you must be extended to everyone who supported the day: the teams; the sponsors; the SAPS, Miss South Africa Sasha-Lee Olivier, Saray Khumalo, Brian Baloyi, Lucas Radebe, DJ Fresh, Kagiso Rabada, Shekhina, the Soprano Biking Club who paraded 11 breast cancer patients and ushered them on to the field; the breast cancer survivors and celebrities who gave their time to be with us today and of course the fans who bring the ‘gees’ dressed in pink come rain or shine.”

Following the success of the One Nation jersey which united the country during one of the most historic sporting years in 2019, South Africa’s homegrown beer, Castle Lager also made an impact in the lives of South Africans using sports at the 2020 Pink Day One Day International (ODI). As a symbol of unity in South Africa, Castle Lager has used sport as a tool for nation-building and over the brand’s illustrious history as the country’s national beer.

The brand has truly embraced its position as a symbol of both unity and sporting brilliance which were recently celebrated in the form of a supporter’s jersey which catered to three of the most loved national men’s teams. As proud sponsors of the senior national cricket team, the Proteas, Castle Lager will play a part in one of the most anticipated sporting events in SA – the 10^th edition of Pink Day, which is an annual initiative hosted in a bid to elevate breast cancer awareness. All proceeds raised are donated to the Breast Care Unit at the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg.

Castle Lager’s Brand Director, Kudzi Mathabire said “Sports is truly a passion point for South Africans and Cricket, like Football and Rugby, does exactly that. However, Pink Day is much more than that; it is an opportunity to come together, look beyond our backgrounds and our differences and unite against cancer. As a big brand that with South Africans’ interest at heart, we truly believe that we have a responsibility to support those in need, with the same dedication we have for our national teams.” said Mathabire.

For every maiden played in the ODI, Castle Lager will donate R25 000 for Pink Day. A “maiden” is an over in which no wides or no balls are bowled, and no runs are scored off the bat. Byes and leg byes scored during a maiden over are not counted against the bowler. One variation is a wicket maiden, during which no runs are scored and a wicket is taken.

Consumers can stand with Castle Lager and partake in the campaign by using the hashtag #ForTheMaidens as well as following Castle Lager Social Media pages @CastleLagerSA

In addition to hoping for multiple maidens for this great cause, South Africans will be hoping for “Madiba Magic” from the Wanderers, Bullring on Sunday for the Pink Day ODI (10h00 start), as the 5^th ranked Proteas will take on England which is currently ranked 1^st  in the ICC ODI standings.

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