Wellington sports stars are uniting to help support and raise funds for Christchurch. Five codes will join together and meet at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua on Thursday 3rd March for a charity basketball match with all proceeds going to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.
Members of the Phoenix, Firebirds, Hurricanes, Pulse and Saints are driving this unique event in their bid to support the people of Christchurch. Mixed teams of Hurricanes, Phoenix and Saints players will take the court in the basketball match with the Pulse and Firebirds helping to organise the event on the sideline.
Hurricanes Prop, Neemia Tialata, who came up with the idea of the event, was delighted with the support the event has received and is looking forward to facing his Wellington counterparts on Thursday night. “As soon as we heard about the tragedy in Christchurch we knew we wanted to help. It-s awesome to see everybody getting together to help out for the Earthquake Appeal.”
The Exodus Saints were also quick to pledge their support. Nick Mills, CEO of the Exodus Saints said, “The Exodus Saints and Canterbury have a long and proud history. The Saints will do whatever they can to help.”
Pulse CEO, Chris McNay noted, “The Haier Pulse is honoured to be involved in this fundraising event and our hearts go out to all those people whose lives have been affected by the devastating earthquake in Christchurch last week.”
Nathan Greenham, CEO of the Wellington Phoenix, was just as eager to get on board with this charity initiative and have the team participate in this event. “As a club we are happy to support any initiative that is in favour of friends, colleagues and family of Christchurch to support Christchurch after their tragedy”
Despite their hectic schedule, the Firebirds have now also offered their support to the evening and any players not travelling with the team on Wednesday night will be at Porirua to assist with this unique event.
Gavin Larsen, Cricket Wellington CEO, explained “The terrible events of the past week have touched the hearts of Wellington-s cricket community, especially given our close ties with Canterbury and New Zealand Cricket who are based in the heart of Christchurch.
“The Wellington Firebirds are right behind this event and are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the recovery of Christchurch and the thousands of people whose lives have been affected.”
Tickets to the event are $20 each and will be sold through TicketDirect – www.ticketdirect.co.nz or 0800 4 TICKET.
Doors open at 6.30pm and tip off is at 7.30pm.
