Pink was the colour of choice for 100 field hockey players at the weekend who donned pink from head to toe to raise awareness and funds for Action Breast Cancer, a leading provider of breast cancer information and support. The players, from Clontarf Hockey Club (CHC), were taking part in the club’s annual Pink Day campaign which calls on members and supporters to ‘Think Pink!’
Pink Day 2011 saw CHC players abandon their traditional red and blue sports attire, and proudly wear pink as they played their league matches across Leinster. Each player made a donation to play in their pink kit for the day and players also aimed to make a statement by highlighting the importance of being breast aware as well as the work of the Action Breast Cancer charity.
The North Dublin hockeyers didn’t stop at pink jerseys and socks – faces were painted, hair was sprayed and pink bows, hair accessories and laces meant that players really were all pinked out for the occasion! Supporters on the sideline also threw themselves into the spirit of the day with pink pom-poms, scarfs and balloons on display and even the opposition teams responded generously to the pink cause. The club’s website, www.clontarfhc.com was given a pink overall, and players posted the latest pictures of their pink exploits on the club’s Facebook and Twitter pages throughout the day.
Mary Cosgrave, President of Clontarf Hockey Club said: “We’re delighted with the success of Pink Day 2011, as always it has been an enjoyable day for our members and supporters. More importantly, however, is the statement that we’re making with Pink Day. By having over 100 players going out and playing matches in pink across Leinster , we’re sending a clear signal that its important to ‘Think Pink’, be breast aware and to support Action Breast Cancer, a charity which is doing such important work.
We are calling on other clubs across the hockey and sporting communities to use their strong club ties to raise funds for charities who desperately need funding at this time. One of the greatest things about sport is the camaraderie it evokes – we are urging all local sports clubs to tap into this for charitable means by setting up a club charity day. ”
The pink theme did not take away from the serious hockey on offer on the day however, with the club’s five women’s teams and three men’s teams all looking to perform well and secure another three points in their Leinster League campaigns. The club is the leading hockey club on the northside of Dublin, with teams competing at all levels from those who compete competitively at senior hockey level to those who enjoy playing at a social level.
Clontarf Hockey Club is always welcoming new players. For more information, visit www.clontarfhc.com