MELBOURNE, Australia: – Golf Australia announced today that it has signed the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) as the official charity for the 2006 MFS Australian Open. The National Breast Cancer Foundation and Golf Australia identified great benefits in the partnership including the opportunity to raise funds for the NBCF through the auction of three places in the Pro Am, selling Pink Ribbons and an SMS donation. It will also introduce both organisations to new audiences as well as create broader interest and participation in their activities. The new partnership with Golf Australia is the first the National Breast Cancer Foundation has established with the sporting sector. Sue Murray, General Manager, National Breast Cancer Foundation said, The Foundation is excited to be to be a part of such an iconic Australian sporting event. The Open provides a great platform to raise awareness of the impact of the disease on the whole community and generate funds for vital research. Breast cancer not only affects women but also their family and friends. The affects on men in particular as fathers, husbands, brothers and sons are often forgotten or overlooked. The NBCF will use this association to highlight the benefits of lifelong physical activity in reducing the risk of breast cancer and encourage more young people to take up golf as an activity. Another positive benefit for golf is the exposure for the game to much a wider audience through the NBCF s network. The partnership is in line with Golf Australia s new positioning for the game where golf is a game for life . Tony Hallam, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Australia stated, There are many aspects to the golf industry but one of our fundamental focuses is about promoting the lifestyle and health benefits the game delivers. We see the Open s association with the National Breast Cancer Foundation as a vehicle to influence new and existing audiences on a number of levels. It will assist in educating people about the rewards of an active lifestyle, such as playing golf, in counteracting health issues, it will reinforce that breast cancer is not gender specific and in some way has touched everyone and importantly raise funds for the Foundation to ensure ongoing research. We are very proud of the association with the National Breast Cancer Foundation and look forward to actively supporting such a worthy cause, Hallam added. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women in Australia as well as the leading cause of cancer death with 2,600 deaths each year. It is projected that in 2007 there will be 13,300 women and men diagnosed with breast cancer. Golf Australia is committed to actively educating and communicating that golf is a game for life and that participation contributes to a healthy Australian community. The 2006 MFS Australian Open will be played November 13 through to 19 at The Royal Sydney Golf Club.
Author: