Friday night’s game against the Warriors will see the Gold Coast Titans carry an important message on each player’s chest for a cause that is close to our hearts.
The Titans will proudly carry the message “In Support of White Ribbon” in the major-sponsor position on the front of the jersey, and also on the back of the playing shorts, for the game against the Warriors to reinforce the Gold Coast’s commitment to ending violence against women.
Sadly in Australia, intimate partner violence contributes to more death, disability and illness in women aged 18-44 than any other preventable risk factor.
Which is why the Titans are proud to support White Ribbon’s national domestic violence prevention campaign, which aims to stop violence before it occurs, through education initiatives in schools, workplaces and the broader community. White Ribbon is committed to building an Australian community where every woman lives in safety, free from all forms of men’s abuse – and the Titans stand with them in this important campaign.
The Titans have led the way in their support of White Ribbon in recent years, with a number of awareness and fundraising campaigns that have used the profile and popularity of rugby league to shine a light on the need for social change to ensure greater respect and safety for women.
Last year, the Titans became the first sporting organisation to wear special-edition White Ribbon socks in an elite competition match, with a very public show of support for the initiative during the NRL’s Women in League Round match again Penrith.
This year, the Titans have gone even further, with White Ribbon to be the team’s “major sponsor” for the game against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium.
“Sport is part of Australia’s DNA, providing the perfect environment to raise awareness of the importance of respectful relationships and women’s safety”.
“Traditionally some sporting communities have fallen short of being supportive, safe and inclusive for women, but change is being led by hundreds of sporting organisations and weekend sports clubs across their communities. The Titans are inspirational in their commitment to deliver social change”, said White Ribbon Ambassador Dean Gould.
“The Gold Coast Titans are at the leading edge of that social change, using the power of their brand and the huge audience that rugby league enjoys to deliver this important message about the need to create a better society where women feel safe and respected, and the work that White Ribbon is doing to help achieve that.”
Titans Executive Chairman Dennis Watt said the club was proud of its long association and support of the White Ribbon campaign.
“When the opportunity arose to support White Ribbon in this way, there was no hesitation from the Titans to get behind it,” he said.
“We, more than any club, understand the importance of showing respect to women, and providing safe environments for them to live and work.
“The Titans are a club that is blessed to have strong, very capable women working in numerous roles right across our organisation in every aspect of our business – going right to the top with our co-owners Rebecca Frizelle and Jo Kelly.
“To be able to support and raise awareness for the tremendous work that White Ribbon is doing – not just in the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers community, but right across Australia – is something that the Titans are very proud to be a part of.”
