Events & Sponsorships

Etana daREDevils out in full force at Lions-Province clash

12 October, 2011

Six Speedo-wearing Etanans bravely took to the field in front of a 20 000-strong crowd at Coca-Cola Park ahead of the Lions-Western Province rugby match on October 8. Just before kick-off, the Etana daREDevils and the Lions’ cheerleaders, the Etana Felions, lined up on the field and the crowd let out a mighty roar when it heard the daREDevils were there to raise awareness for cancer.

Etanan Kurt Solomon was interviewed by the stadium MC, who wanted to know more about the daREDevil run, after which the daREDevils supported the Etana Felions while they showed some nifty moves before the Lions and Western Province ran out onto the field.

“The 2011 daREDevil run in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban takes place on November 4,” explains Etana brand champion and organiser of the event, Kurt Solomon. “With less than a month to go we decided to go all-out and take our cause of raising cancer awareness and supporting cancer sufferers to new heights.”

At the start of October, Etana had taken its involvement with the Gauteng Lions Rugby Union (GLRU) a step further by announcing its extended support for the Felions cheerleaders, who kick off proceedings at all the team’s home games and also entertain supporters during the match.

“With Etana sponsoring the Felions we thought it would be an incredible opportunity to have some photos taken with these lovely ladies and then run onto the field wearing only our red Speedos,” says Kurt.

“The Etanans tasked with this challenge arrived at Coca-Cola Park early on Saturday afternoon and, within half an hour, were parading in their Speedos. The guys, with some motivation and support from Olga van der Struys [GLRU], made their way to where fans enter through the ticket gates. Olga thought it prudent for our Etana daREDevils to be kept safe by some burly bodyguards, who ensured the crowds did not get too attached to the guys.”

Kurt said at first the Speedo-wearing Etanans were apprehensive, as they didn’t believe anyone had ever walked around the facility in the manner they did on Saturday. “We had great fun having photos taken with the Etana Felions, and then spread the word about cancer when chatting to rugby fans. We even helped a charity sell bracelets, the proceeds of which went towards saving rhinos, and then ventured into the beer garden. Many people were curious about us and wanted to know about the daREDevil run. I met a rugby fan diagnosed with testicular cancer who was very appreciative of what Etana is doing.”

After that it was back to the confines of the stadium and down to the legendary tunnel, where many a rugby and soccer legend have met to run onto the field.

“The first half was a closely fought affair,” says Kurt. “The Lions scored a try to cement a small lead going into half-time. For the daREDevils it was back down the tunnel and onto the field. This time around, fellow Etanan Aaron Mrabalala and I agreed to take part in the half-time rugby obstacle challenge, which was heaps of fun and added to the exposure we received. Many of our families, friends and Etana team members saw us on television, which was fantastic.”

The Lions won the match 42-25.

A big thank you to GLRU and Olga van der Struys, who allowed the Etana daREDevils to take part in the day’s proceedings.

See all the pix of the daREDevil action here.