Blackwater's 'odd' way to support meaningful cause
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When the Blackwater Crushettes turned up to play at last Saturday's Central Highlands Hit Out wearing odd socks, many thought it was just for a laugh. But in actual fact, it was for a special initiative to raise awareness for a cause close to their hearts.
Tomorrow - Saturday, March 21 - is World Down Syndrome Day.
A day people all around the world celebrate the lives and achievements of people with down syndrome by wearing brightly coloured socks or different socks to what would normally been worn.
The idea for last year's Central Highlands Women's premiers to become involved was inspired by player Deanne Favre's 19-month old niece Olive, who was born with down syndrome.
"For the last few seasons, Dee has been trying to line up the date with local fixtures but with no luck due the date being so early in the year," Blackwater captain and club Secretary Miranda Davidson said.
"With the Hit Out being pretty close to tomorrow's date, we asked the girls at training if they wanted to participate and everyone in our team couldn't be more supportive."
Upon agreeing to take part, Favre shared her family's story to her team mates.
"The key message Dee wanted the girls to know was that little Olive can still do anything she wants to and be anything she wants to be - as can every person who is born with Down syndrome," Davidson said.
"Whilst there are some unique challenges, they are no different to you and me."
Wearing odd socks hasn't been the first time the club has got behind a cause.
"We see our team as one big family than just a bunch of people playing footy and we love to support causes that are close to our heart," Davidson said.
"Previously, we've got behind World Autism Day in support of one of our players' brother who suffers from autism and always happy to support any causes that are important to our Crushettes family."
Be sure to showcase your bright, loud, odd and / or different socks tomorrow and support World Down Syndrome Day.
