Tasmanian men and families impacted by prostate cancer are expected to be the winners when two local football clubs go head-to-head in Tasmania’s second ‘Battle of Franklin Cup’ on June 15.
All proceeds from the game between the Clarence Zebras and Kingborough Lions United will be donated to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).
This year’s event will be at the newly updated Clennett’s Lightwood Park in Kingston, hosted by Kingborough Lions United, with the Cup itself generously purchased by Tristan Penneyston from Penneyston Painting.
President of the Kingborough Lions United, Brian Downes, said the club was looking forward to hosting the event.
“This year’s Cup is expected to be a great night of football in support of men’s health,” Mr Downes said.
“Like many men across Tasmania, prostate cancer has impacted our club members. Last year’s Battle of Franklin Cup was a roaring success and we look forward to repeating the action on Saturday.
Fans will enioy a great game atmosphere as well as hot food and drinks in the clubhouse, where people will be able to donate to PCFA and purchase merchandise.”
Prostate cancer survivor and long-time Clarence Zebras supporter, Rick Bennett, urged locals to get along to the game.
“Keeping the conversation relevant and ongoing is a passion for me as I want to see as many men in their 40s start a conversation with their GPs to commence PSA testing,” said Mr Bennett.
For me creating a baseline early through regular PSA testing enabled me to react much sooner once there was a change in the numbers.
Without being on top of it as soon as we were able to, I may not have had the positive and significant outcomes I have today. My family are so important to me and I plan to be with them for much longer.
I’m looking forward to seeing the Battle of Franklin Cup take part once again, cheering on our common goal of supporting men and their loved ones living with prostate cancer and continuing on the conversation of getting more men tested. #BeinvestedGetTested.”
PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, commended the clubs.
“With more than 6,000 Tasmanian men and families impacted by prostate cancer, events like this are key to rallying much needed support and raising awareness of the disease,” Ms Savage said.
“Community awareness is key to prostate cancer control, helping to improve rates of early detection and promote greater understanding of Tasmania’s most commonly diagnosed cancer.
More than 500 Tasmanian men will be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer this year.
We’re tremendously grateful to the Clarence Zebras and the Kingborough Lions for supporting men in the local community impacted by prostate cancer.
Organiser and volunteer Rick Bennett has been a champion for our cause, demonstrating the difference that individuals can make in saving lives.
We’re pleased to see Rick and others bring together these two clubs for what promises to be a great match.
We look forward to a great night at the football, for a good cause.”
For more information and to find a local support group, call 1800 22 00 99 or go to www.prostate.org.au.
ENDS
To arrange an interview with Brian Downes or Rick Bennett, please contact:
Laura Gillett | 0468 788 609
