Pink is our favourite colour
The FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International will be launching a big cancer awareness drive in 2010, with the introduction of the 'Pink Shorts' campaign in this year's tournament.
This brand new campaign will see the four official Varsity Cup Man of the Matches from the previous week wear a special pair of pink shorts in the next round of matches - all in the name of cancer awareness and to help raise funds in the continued fight against cancer.
Supporters at the grounds and television viewers at home can make donations via a special SMS line and, in the process, help settle the debate once and for all just which university is the best supported in the country. Each SMS sent will cost R5 and all proceeds will go towards a Varsity Cup Trust, which will be donated to rugby players affected by cancer. Bigger donations can also be made via the SMS lines - but will be calculated in terms of R5 units.
Any rugby player in South Africa affected by cancer will be eligible to receive money from this Varsity Cup Trust, but they have to apply via the official Varsity Cup website - www.varsitycup.co.za - in order to do so.
Donations can be made by SMS'ing the name of your university (one of the eight Varsity Cup teams) to 36199 and the most popular university - i.e. the institution that generates the most income via the SMS line - will enjoy the final bragging rights as the best supported university in South Africa; yet another 'mini-competition' within the 2010 Varsity Cup.
"This is yet another great Varsity Cup initiative and one we're hoping that will take off hugely as the tournament progresses," Varsity Cup CEO Duitser Bosman said.
"Cancer is fast becoming a reality for many of us and we're hoping - at worst - that the players wearing pink shorts will help create awareness amongst Varsity Cup fans and the alumni out there. Any money raised is simply a bonus, but will - of course - be put to good use through the Varsity Cup Trust."
Former tournament Chairman Francois Pienaar, who will still be serving as a Varsity Cup Board Member, added: "Between the pink shorts, Miss Varsity Cup, South Africa Rocks campaign and many other initiatives, the 2010 Varsity Cup promises to be more exciting and entertaining than previous years."
This fantastic campaign can be followed via www.varsitycup.co.za throughout the year, but make sure you show your support to your favourite Varsity Cup team - and cancer awareness - by SMS'ing the name of your team to 36199.