Vodafone Warriers Support Blue September

30 August 2013

MEDIA RELEASE

Vodafone Warriers Support Blue September

The strong men of New Zealand sport, the Vodafone Warriors, have thrown their support behind Blue September, the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s annual awareness campaign.

More than 3000 New Zealand men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year and more than 550 died of the disease last year. One in ten men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

During Blue September, the Prostate Cancer Foundation encourages all men over 40 to have an annual prostate check, and recommends all men from the age of 50 should consider being checked annually for prostate cancer by both PSA blood test and digital rectal examination (DRE).

The Vodafone Warriors are lending their support as the first ‘team’ of Blue Face ambassadors for Blue September.

“We’re committed to doing all we can to heighten awareness in our community about health campaigns,” said Vodafone Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah.

“The people involved in Blue September do a fantastic job making men aware of how vital it is to have regular prostate checks and we want to do what we can to help,” he said.

Graeme Woodside, Chief Executive of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, says he’s delighted to have one of New Zealand’s top sports teams on board.

“Many deaths from prostate cancer could be prevented by early detection and healthy lifestyle choices,” he says. “When you’re part of a team there’s an impetus to perform to your very best for the good of the group, and keeping healthy is a vital component of that obligation.

“During Blue September we’re encouraging all men to get checked for prostate cancer not only for their own benefit, but for the good of their own teams – their families, friends and whanau.”

The Warriors join the Blue September team of Blue Faces, including newcomer Frankie Stevens (entertainer) along with Buck Shelford, Stu Wilson, Sir Peter Leitch, Brett McGregor, Ray Woolf, Mike Puru, Brendon Pongia, Slade McFarland, Joe Naufahu, Leo Bertos, Tarun Mohanbhai and Darcey Perry.

Mr Woodside says he wishes the Warriors well for their upcoming game with the Canberra Raiders at Mt Smart Stadium tomorrow (Saturday 31st August), and encourages Warriors fans to come along to SKYCITY to Meet the Team during the evening.

Blue September 2013 is proudly supported by PlaceMakers, SKYCITY, M2, The Coffee Club, Vintage Harvest and BARKERS.

ENDS

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