Events
All sporting codes including Footie, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Soccer and Basketball are welcome to join Call to Arms.
Call to Arms already has some fantastic support from the Wests Tigers NRL team, the AFL NSW / ACT and the NSW Rugby Union.
AFL in NSW / ACT has selected Call to Arms as their charity for their own health awareness week in August to raise the profile of men's cancer in sport. Chris Mintern, the Club Development Officer for AFL NSW/ACT said, " We are delighted to be supporting Call to Arms this year, it is a fantastic initiative that aligns perfectly with our own health awareness week. We encourage all AFL within NSW and the ACT to take part on the weekend of the 16th August."
NSW Rugby Union are pleased to support Call to Arms 2008 as the event offers rugby clubs at all levels the opportunity to support local men and raise funds for men's cancers. NSW Rugby encourages all clubs to hold their Call to Arms in June 2008, simply register here or call 1300 65 65 85
The Wests Tigers has partnered with the Cancer Council and will launch Call To Arms for NRL at their home match against the Titans on the weekend of the 23rd May.
Wayne Cousins, Media Officer for Wests Tigers said, "We have a number of players and fans that have been touched by cancer and Call to Arms allows us to support our community and raise awareness for men's cancers. NRL teams are asked to hold their event any weekend in June.
Two Wests Tigers players have been touched by cancer Brett Hodgson and Corey Payne, here are their stories
Brett Hodgson, the West Tigers' captain and star fullback, knows what it's like to have a loved one sidelined by cancer. Having lost his mother to cancer in 2000, Brett understands the impact cancer can have on the lives of family, friends and colleagues - and can relate this directly to how his team would cope if one of them were among the 53 men in NSW who hear the words 'you have cancer' every day.
"Your team is like a second family. Having one of the boys sit on the sidelines because of a sporting injury is bad enough, but to potentially lose a team mate to cancer - the impact would be felt far beyond the 13 men on the field," says Brett.
Brett also understands the importance of men supporting each other through an experience like cancer; especially after some high profile players gave him moral support following his mother's death.
"Not a lot of guys like to open their feelings up - especially in a 'blokey environment', Brett says with a wry smile. "It doesn't usually bother me if we're in a situation where there are heaps of guys around. If there's an issue I need to talk about, then I'll talk about it."
Brett is eager to strap on his yellow armband in June to help raise awareness of men's cancers and show his support for all men affected by the disease.
"Wearing a yellow armband is an easy way to help other men think about what they can do in their own communities to prevent cancer. I'm encouraging all men's sporting groups - both footy and other sports - to wear an armband and do their bit for men with cancer."
Corey Payne second row at the Tigers, has also been touched by cancer, his grandmother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late 2004, she is now in remission.
"I wanted to become involved in Call To Arms because Cancer is something that impacts a lot of people. When my Nan was diagnosed, it was the first close relative I know to battle the disease."
"One day she was fighting fit and the next she was in the intensive care unit. I supported my Nan and went to the hospital everyday as she went through chemotherapy and had a number of operations."
"For people that are in a similar situation, the most important thing you can do is be supportive and make sure that the person suffering understands that you are there for them.
"One thing I realised is how much I took for granted the times I spent with her when I was a kid. I really appreciate those memories."
"I go out of my way to do things and spend time with her because she still wants to get out of the house and lead the life she used to. If there is an opportunity to go out and catch up with her, I make that a priority."
"Even though Call To Arms is specifically supporting men with cancer, I think it's also important to support men who have partners, wives, sisters, mothers and grandmothers who are affected by cancer. Men need their mates during these times - I can just imagine."
Game details:
Leichardt Oval, Sunday, 25th May, 3pm. Come to the Inaugural NRL Call to Arms match and watch the Wests Tigers taken on the Gold Coast Titans and they take up the fight against cancer and against each other. There will be lots of fun and activities and you can get your arm taped like the professional players and make your stand against cancer. This game also celebrates Todd Payten's 200th game so come be part of all the festivities and watch Tigers and Titans battle it out.
