FORCE HOSTS ‘SUPERHERO SATURDAY’ FOR #ZERO2HERO
The Western Force is encouraging spectators to dress as a super hero for the club’s match against the NSW Waratahs on Saturday, 9 May at the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) in support of the club’s charity partner, zero2hero.
As part of the match, all children will ‘pay zero if you come as a hero’! The Western Force will give free entry for every junior (under 17) that comes dressed as a super hero. (Valid only for General Admission tickets sold at the gate, with a full priced adult or Western Force member.)
The match will raise awareness and funds for zero2hero – one of the Force’s charity partners for 2015 and 2016 – a Western Australian-based not-for-profit organisation addressing mental health issues openly with young people. Through open communication, zero2hero aims to assist in the prevention of suicide through effectively dealing with mental health problems.
The ‘super hero’ theme is in association with zero2hero day which encourages participants to ‘dress up, stand up and speak up’ regarding mental health issues.
All monies raised at the ground will go towards funding ‘Camp Hero – Youth Leadership Camps’ – support networks that encourage and equip school-aged children to speak out about mental health issues, such as; anxiety, depression, bullying, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
As part of the partnership with zero2hero, RugbyWA will educate children’s rugby coaches on identifying the signs of mental health issues, and providing them with the appropriate steps to take. These will also be included in manuals for coaching children.
RugbyWA CEO Mark Sinderberry says the fun ‘superhero’ theme will highlight a serious community issue.
“We’re excited to be able to host ‘Superhero Saturday’ to spotlight a great charity like zero2hero,” he said.
“Through this match we’re looking to drive awareness and raise some funds towards the work that zero2hero does in encouraging school-aged children to speak out about mental health issues, and target the reduction in anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide.
“This is a great opportunity for us to work with zero2hero to confront this large community issue and we want to contribute to making young people aware and educate them about mental health.”
zero2hero founder and CEO, Ashlee Harrison said the association with the Western Force will help break down barriers around mental health.
“We’re thrilled to be involved with the Western Force’s ‘Superhero Saturday’,” she said. “The funds raised at this match will assist us in educating and empowering young people across WA to effectively deal with mental health issues”.
“With the prevalence of mental health issues in today’s society, it is critical that we open the conversation from a young age to reduce the stigma. This game will allow people and families to begin a conversation about this serious social issue in a fun and light hearted way.
“We can’t wait to see thousands of heroes dressing up and speaking up in aid of suicide prevention at the Force Field next weekend.”
Tickets are available for the Western Force’s next home match against the NSW Waratahs at the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) on Saturday, 9 May. Tickets are available from ticketmaster.com.au.
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