The Irish Cancer Society is appealing to sports clubs across the country to get active by holding a “Big Championship” event to raise money for their club and the Society. The Society is launching this new campaign amidst news of rising cancer rates in Ireland, while obesity is revealed as the leading cause of cancer in non-smokers.*

The Society is eager to get people active as studies show that three out of every four Irish adults are not active enough.**  The World Cancer Research Fund reports that approximately one-third of all cancers can be prevented through a combination of healthy lifestyle choices including food and nutrition (including limiting alcohol consumption), regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. The Big Championship is a great way to get communities active while having a lot of fun and raising vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society and for the local club.

John McCormack, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Cancer Society speaking at the launch said “We hope communities across Ireland get behind the Big Championship and hold a game in their local sports club. Not only do we all need to get more active but in these tough economic times it’s hard for people to donate to all the causes they care about – this campaign allows people to support not only the Irish Cancer Society but also their local club – with 30% of money raised staying with the club. We hope every sports group in the country from Gaelic to Rugby, table tennis to bowls, hockey to roller derby - get involved.”

Former Munster Rugby legend Jerry Flannery speaking at the launch said “JOE.ie & Her.ie are extremely proud to be official partners for the Irish Cancer Society’s Big Championship initiative. Many local clubs around Ireland struggle to raise funds, so this is a great opportunity for communities to work together to fundraise for their own club while also supporting a worthy cause. This is a really positive initiative that has been launched by the Irish Cancer Society and we are delighted to be a part of it.”

The Irish Cancer Society is calling on all sports groups and clubs around Ireland to join the Big Championship helping raise vital funds for the Society and your club! If your team register you will get pack with all the details of what to do and how, as well as some great promotional materials to use for your big event. 30% of money raised will stay in your club. Clubs that register during July and August are in to win the ultimate support package for their event courtesy of Joe.ie & Her.ie including a guest appearance from rugby legend Jerry Flannery, a professional photographer and videographer and more.

For more information or to register your club CallSave  on 1850 60 60 60 or visit www.thebigchampionship.ie. Be a club against cancer!

 

* Healthy Ireland Framework 2013-2015.

**The Department of Health and Children’s National Physical Activity Guideline for maintaining and improving their current and future health.