Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Today’s Sydney Thunder clash with Brisbane Heat is all in the name of road safety as both club’s team up to highlight the importance of driving safely on the roads.
The North Sydney Oval match will be the first of its kind as the two team’s face off for the Road Safety Cup, sponsored by Transport for New South Wales and Department of Transport and Main Roads (Queensland).
Last year, 281 people lost their lives on NSW roads, losses that are felt throughout the state and in all communities. The Road Safety Cup is about putting team rivalries aside and using the power of cricket to raise awareness of road safety, as the states channel their efforts into the ‘Towards Zero’ campaign. Zero being the only acceptable number of deaths attributed to the roads.
The fixture sees Thunder captain, Heather Knight, wear shirt number 0 as a nod to the campaign, as well as the words ‘Towards Zero’ emblazoned on the back of her playing shirt, instead of her own name.
Cricket New South Wales and subsequently Sydney Thunder have partnered with Transport for New South Wales for the last 21 years, continuing the conversation on driving safely and always having a Plan B if you are having an alcoholic drink.
The road toll is not just a number, it’s someone’s parent, someone’s child, someone’s partner, best friend workmate or cricket team member. It cannot be overlooked, every life matters.
Transport for NSW and Sydney Thunder want everyone on our roads to stop and think. Think about how their choices behind the wheel impacts other and how you’d feel if you lost a loved one.
NSW Minster for Roads, John Graham, said: “Road safety is a key focus for the NSW Government and we are always looking at innovative ways to help get the message out to everyone to take care on our roads.
“As we head toward the busy holiday period on our roads and people from both states hit the road for summer holidays – The Road Safety Cup is a great way to reach sporting fans in both NSW and Queensland.
“We want everyone to help us drive our road toll Towards Zero, not only will the commentators be talking about the road toll and the need for everyone to drive safely- our teams will also be wearing shirts with the Towards Zero message at both matches to help keep the message front and centre in every fan’s mind.”
Head of Sydney Thunder, Andrew Gilchrist added: “Heading into the holiday season, we want to do everything we can to help ensure the roads and our community are as safe as possible. This is why we’re asking the Thunder Nation to be conscious with every journey they take and make the safest choices possible.
“In partnership with Transport for NSW, we’re committed to the goal of having zero road fatalities in NSW by 2025, so we’re using our platform through cricket to spread this message.
“We’re looking forward to competing against Brisbane Heat, who are aligned on our road safety mission, in the inaugural Road Safety Cup and thank them for their support with this initiative.”
The game starts at 6:10pm, tickets are available HERE or tune in on Channel 7, Fox Cricket, ABC Radio, Cricket.com.au and Kayo sports.
The corresponding KFC BBL Road Safety Cup will be at the Gabba on Wednesday December 27.
