SunSmart has congratulated Avoca Cricket Club for their winning edge in protection against skin cancer in the Central Highlands this summer.
With the cricket season in full swing the club is raising awareness of the importance of sun protection amongst its members this summer. They are working their way through the UV actions of VicHealth’s Healthy Sporting Environments program.
The program, which is available to regional clubs across Victoria, is being undertaken by 25 clubs across the Central Highlands region and focuses on six health areas including responsible use of alcohol, UV protection, healthy eating, reducing tobacco use, inclusion for all, as well as injury prevention and management.
SunSmart Manager at Cancer Council Victoria, Sue Heward, said: “Sporting clubs have an integral role to play in the reduction of future skin cancer rates, particularly in role-modelling healthy behaviours to junior players. Cricket players spend long hours in the sun and being over-exposed to sun as a child can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. By creating lifelong SunSmart habits through education and positive role modelling, Avoca Cricket Club is giving its players a winning edge both on and off the field.”
Sports Central Project Co-ordinator Bob Campbell-Burns encourages sporting clubs in the Central Highlands to get involved. “Whether a club is small or large, this free program can bring real benefit and assist in giving participating clubs the edge,” he said. “Initially, it will be invaluable for clubs to assess where they are at and then work to make improvements with ongoing ‘hands on’ assistance from Sports Central. The benefits will undoubtedly flow on to both members and the local community.”
Any Central Highlands sporting clubs interested in joining or obtaining more information about the Healthy Sporting Environments program should contact Bob Campbell-Burns on E: Bobcb@sportscentral.org.au T: 5331 6966
For more information about UV, sun protection and skin cancer, visit sunsmart.com.au