Ricky Ponting has announced a three-year deal with Cricket Tasmania to host the annual ‘Ponting Foundation Big Bash League Match’ in Hobart.
The Hobart Hurricanes will face off against the Sydney Thunder at Ninja Stadium tonight, with all proceeds from ticket sales, food and beverage sales and donations going towards supporting Tasmanian children and young people with cancer and their families.
Over 10,000 people are expected to flood through the gates tonight for the charity match.
The Tasmanian Government has pledged to match every dollar raised at the match, with Health Minister Jacquie Petrusma saying the initiative will make a “significant difference” to families in the state.
“When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the family’s world goes upside down and inside out,” she said.
“It’s one of the hardest journeys that any child, young person and their family has to endure and we always know that there are more services, more supports, and more accommodation that are needed for those families.”
Members of the Hobart Hurricanes visited kids at the Royal Hobart Hospital this afternoon, ahead of the game tonight.
Ponting said he and his wife Rianna were “thrilled” to be able to help families through “the toughest little phase of their lives”.
“Whether it is upgrading hospital equipment, whether it’s transport, whether it’s accommodation, whatever it might be,” he said.
“I always get asked why do you do it and I always say why wouldn’t I do it. I’m one of the lucky ones that’s got the ability and got the chance to do it.”
“Whatever funds we raise tonight is almost irrelevant to us but we know that that money will go a long way here in Tasmania to helping some families and some young kids we’ve just met inside through some very, very trying times.”
“I urge Tasmanians to get onboard and support this fundraising match – it’ll be a fun night for a great cause.”
