The BDCA and EVCA are both supporting White Ribbon Day – also known as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – on Saturday.

As part of Saturday’s White Ribbon rounds, players, umpires and officials in both competitions will wear white ribbons and sign the White Ribbon pledge before play gets under way.

White Ribbon aims to raise awareness around the prevention of men’s violence against women.

Two of the games will also feature a presentation from Bendigo Police’s family violence advisor Sergeant Margaret Singe – Kangaroo Flat v Eaglehawk at the QEO and United v Sedgwick at Ewing Park.

As well as all players signing the pledge, captains will also recite the White Ribbon oath – “I will stand up, speak out and act to prevent men's violence against women”.

“With White Ribbon Day falling on Saturday, we approached both associations about being involved and they came on board straight away,” Sgt Singe said.

“All the captains and teams will be taking the White Ribbon oath, wear white ribbons to signify that they have done that and it will be a good day to help raise awareness.

“We’ll also have people selling some white ribbons and handing out flyers, and we’re also getting involved with cricket through women’s matches on Friday night.”

EVCA president Ron Gray said the association was proud to be involved in supporting White Ribbon Day.

“With cricket being a male-dominated sport, it’s a good opportunity for us to show that we as not just an association, but all the players, are behind this cause and getting involved is a way to show support,” Gray said.

White Ribbon was founded in 1991 in Toronto.

For more information on White Ribbon in Bendigo log onto www.whiteribbonbendigo.com.au

……………………………..

• Saturday’s BDCA and EVCA matches:

BDCA – round five continued

Bendigo United v Golden Square 9-256

Huntly-North Epsom 9-258 v White Hills

Bendigo 76 v Strathdale-Maristians 7-177

Kangaroo Flat 9-271 v Eaglehawk (QEO)

Sandhurst 9-323 v Strathfieldsaye

EVCA – round seven

Spring Gully v West Bendigo

Mandurang v Marong

United v Sedgwick

Golden Gully v Maiden Gully