By RUSSELL BENNETT
CANCER Council Victoria is urging sporting clubs throughout Greater Dandenong to join the Call To Arms cause and shine a light on the more than 360 men diagnosed with the disease in the area every year.
It’s a cause particularly close to the heart of Essendon AFL premiership player, and Noble Park Football Club alum Adam Ramanauskas, who became the face behind Call to Arms through his own cancer battle in 2006.
It’s a state-wide campaign, asking sporting teams of all codes and levels to pick a game during their season, wear something yellow, and raise funds and awareness for cancer in men.
Events can be held at any time throughout the year, making it is easy for teams to get involved.
When Ramanauskas’ team mates wore yellow armbands in the ’Clash for Cancer’ against Melbourne in 2006, they were fined $20,000 by the AFL for wearing them.
The league later agreed that the money could be donated to the Cancer Council, the Bombers’ preferred charity.
Cancer Council Victoria spokesperson, and ex-Hawthorn player, Brett O’Farrell called on as many local footy fans as possible to back the Call To Arms cause.
“The Greater Dandenong region has some fantastic supporters, so we really encourage their local sporting clubs to register one of their upcoming games to Call To Arms and help raise money for their brothers, sons, dads and mates who are affected by this disease,” he said.
“With one in two men being diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime, that could be you or your best mate, so don’t drop the ball, get involved!”
Essendon is once again leading the Call To Arms charge at AFL level in 2013, dedicating their Round 18 clash with the Hawks on 26 July as this year’s ’Clash for Cancer’.
Last year, 150 Victorian sports clubs raised over $80,000 to support the cause.
