MELBOURNE leader Nathan Jones has added some pink to his ink, as he helps promote the third annual Breast Cancer Network Australia Pink Footy and Netball Day.

Jones, Brent Moloney and Melbourne Vixen netballer Kate Beveridge have thrown their support behind this BCNA’s cause this Mother’s Day weekend.

Football and netball clubs across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and the ACT will turn pink as they compete in the third annual Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) Pink Footy and Netball Day.  

The weekend is held in partnership with WorkSafe Victorian Country Football League (VCFL), Netball Victoria and AFL Canberra.

It offers suburban and country footy and netball clubs the chance to show their support for those in their local communities affected by breast cancer.

More than 400 footy and netball clubs and associations will show their support in pink in a variety of fun and creative ways with some clubs going all out turning goals posts, netball rings, uniforms, socks and even boundary lines pink for the weekend’s games.

Funds raised from clubs who purchase the pink match ball will go directly to BCNA to support its work in ensuring women diagnosed with breast cancer, and their families, are provided with the very best information, and support possible, no matter who they are or where they live.

Clubs will also host additional community fundraising activities such as sausage sizzles, raffles and auctions in support of BCNA.

Netball Victoria chief executive Leigh Russell said she is thrilled to be a part of Pink Footy and Netball Day 2011.

“It is a privilege for our community to support BCNA in their quest to support women and their families that are affected by breast cancer. It is a very practical way in which the netball family can assist the wider community. We are looking forward to once again seeing pink netballs on courts across Victoria,” she said.

VCFL chief executive Glenn Scott said the annual fundraising event is a favourite among footy clubs.

“Pink Footy and Netball Day is a great way for families and friends to come together over Australia’s favourite pastime, sport, and show their love and support for women and their families affected by breast cancer,” he said.

“It’s also a great way for the men to show their support for their mates who may be supporting a woman with breast cancer.”

BCNA chief executive Lyn Swinburne AM, herself a breast cancer survivor, said Pink Footy and Netball Day is a great way for sporting communities to demonstrate their support for local families affected by breast cancer.

“More than 14,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone and the funds raised via Pink Footy & Netball Day are critical to the work BCNA does in offering these women ongoing and up-to-date information, services and support,” she said. 

“Seeing a pink footy or netball flying through the air is as much of a buzz for our women as it is for the clubs who have come together to pay tribute to them and their families.”

To find out more about Pink Footy & Netball Day 2011, head to www.pinkfootynetballday.org.au