The McGrath Foundation has been appointed an official charity partner in Australia for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
The tournament ‘ one of the biggest international sporting events in the world ‘ returns to Australia and New Zealand in February and March for the first time in 23 years.
The McGrath Foundation joins the ICC’s two global charity partners – UNAIDS which promotes awareness and understanding about HIV; and Room to Read which promotes literacy ‘ as well as the local charity partner in New Zealand, the Cancer Society.
The McGrath Foundation was started following the much publicised experience that Jane McGrath and three time World Cup winner Glenn McGrath had with breast cancer. Its mission is to raise money to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia as well as increase breast awareness in young Australian women.
Glenn McGrath ‘ the equal highest wicket taker in World Cup history ‘ joined World Cup organisers, one of the Foundation’s Victorian McGrath Breast Care Nurses, Jo Lovelock, McGrath Foundation CEO Petra Buchanan and supporters from the Port Melbourne Cricket Club to launch the partnership today.
‘Cricket is much more than what happens on the field,’ said McGrath. ‘It brings people together, is a real force for good in the community and has played a huge part in the McGrath Foundation’s history. I’m delighted the ICC Cricket World Cup has chosen us as one of their official charity partners next year. As the biggest tournament in cricket it will help raise awareness of the work we do in helping families experiencing breast cancer.’
The chief executive of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Local Organising Committee, John Harnden, said the McGrath Foundation was a natural partner for the tournament in Australia. ‘Like the McGrath Foundation, our focus is on the community,’ he said. ‘This is a chance for all of the unsung heroes of our sport ‘ especially the people who help run clubs or volunteer or take their kids to practise and cheer them on at matches ‘ to come together in a celebration of our community and our national game.’
The World Cup will see the top 14 cricketing nations play 49 matches over 44 days in February and March next year. There are 14 Host Cities in total across Australia and New Zealand. More than a million people are expected to attend matches and more than a billion are expected to watch the global broadcast.
Tickets ‘ which start at just $5 for children at all pool matches and from $20 for adults ‘ are available now from www.cricketworldcup.com
