The Wellington Phoenix have again taken up the challenge of the hirsute by participating in Movember this year.
Movember is the month when men of New Zealand loan their top lips to raise awareness and crucial funds for the Cancer Society and Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.
Wellington Phoenix captain Andrew Durante says the Phoenix players are only too willing to participate for two worthy causes.
“We-re happy to use our profile as professional sports players to raise some money and awareness of these causes. With Movember it becomes obvious pretty quick that something is up when a squad of 20 players all start growing ‘mos- so it-s good profile”
The majority of the squad are participating, with those not joining in the upper lip revolution agreeing to support the cause in more conservative ways – donating money.
“Most of the boys are keen and are in” Durante says. “The ones that aren-t have been told to front up in other ways – by digging deep. No one is getting out of this, even if they don-t actually grow a moustache themselves”.
With a number of new players this season, Durante is unsure who will end up on top in the best handle bar stakes.
“There are a few of the boys who are already displaying good growths. Daniel is always a front runner and Manny has those Mediterranean genes which always ensure a good coverage. Of the new boys, Tony Warner is looking extremely promising”.
Durante, who is also captain of the Phoenix-s Movember squad, says he hopes the fans will get in behind their favourite players and moustaches during the month.
“We-re asking the fans to get in behind us and encourage their favourite players and those they think have the best moustaches. There-s already a few comments on our pages from ex-Phoenix players which has started good banter! Ultimately because we-re all competitive we-re keen that the Phoenix Movember team does well nationally”
You can visit the Phoenix-s Movember page, donate and leave a message of encouragement here
Movember raises vital funds and awareness for men-s health, specifically prostate, cancer and depression in men.
For all information go to www.movember.com
