The NZ Māori Rugby League tournament in Hāwera, attracted over 500 young players from across the country who converged to compete for a spot in the finals. As well as promoting Māori sportsmanship, one team were also promoting another special cause.
True to their name, this Te Aroha team are wearing pink for a loving cause.
Tauawhi Winia says, “We want to acknowledge our women who are battling breast cancer. That is why we are wearing pink shirts and socks, to pay tribute to our nannies, mums, aunties who are suffering from this illness.”
The Te Aroha boys are the first Māori league team to wear pink for breast cancer awareness. It was originally a one off idea for the tournament, however the team have decided to wear pink for the entire league season.
Winia says, “The boys really wanted to wear pink uniforms because it is different, and it had a awesome cause. So we weren't ashamed at all.”
According to the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation website, almost 3000 women in NZ are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
“A few aunties of mine have breast cancer. And I know a few of the boys, their mums have been diagnosed as well so it's a cause that's close to our hearts,” says Winia.
These boys are laying the challenge to next year's league team.
Winia says, “Maybe next year we'll see a few more teams wearing pink uniforms and acknowledging the women in their life as well.”