Rugby gets colourful for Shavathon initiative on February 17
“To raise awareness through sport is something we fully support and are privileged to be a part of."
The Johannesburg-based rugby franchise, the Emirates Lions, in partnership with the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) will host the 22nd edition of the popular Shavathon initiative.
It will be held on February 17 at Emirates Airline Park
The day also marks the return fixture of the Jukskei derby between the Emirates Lions and Vodacom Bulls in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship competition.
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Themed ‘Be Colourfully Kind’, the collaboration between rugby and cancer awareness encourages fans to attend the much-anticipated return match to show their support for cancer.
Those attending can either shave or colour their hair with spray paints in support of those affected by cancer.
Cansa Shavathon is one of South Africa’s best-loved events allowing participants to show solidarity with those affected by cancer.
Losing one’s hair is a common side-effect of cancer therapy, so shaving or spraying heads has become a symbolic gesture of support for cancer survivors.
“While shopping malls provide us with wonderful platforms to host Shavathon activities every year, we have also found that running individual events with companies, schools and other organisations makes a significant positive impact on creating awareness and raising funds,” said Elijah Masubelele, Cansa’s head of business development.
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“Partnering with the Lions and hosting the Shavathon at the iconic Emirates Airline Park on the day of such a massive local derby will go a long in raising awareness in a fun, colourful way,” he added.
Ellis Park stadium managing director Pieter Burger said sport is a powerful tool to raise awareness not only of social concerns but also to draw attention to health matters in our society.
“We all know of or have someone close to us who is living with or has succumbed to cancer. To raise awareness through sport is something we fully support and are privileged to be a part of,” said Burger.
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“Emirates Airline Park is a world-class stadium offering an incredible in-stadium experience for all who attend our facility.
“What better way to enhance the experience than to collaborate with CANSA on such a meaningful and heartfelt cause where all our fans and players can participate,” concluded Burger.
Shavathon stations will be located inside the stadium where fans attending the game can either shave or spray their hair ahead of the 15:00 kick-off.
The donation fee for shaving or spraying hair is R50 for an adult and R25 for a child under 12 years old.
