Queensland Touch Football is proud to announce Queensland Health as the Official Sun Safety Sponsor of the 2023 Junior State Cup in Rockhampton.
Australia has the highest rate of melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, in the world. In our sunshine state, we have melanoma rates 37% higher than the national rate, making Queensland the infamous ‘skin cancer capital of the world’. Therefore, Queensland Touch Football (QTF) is teaming up with Queensland Health to promote sun safety and provide education to the touch football community on the importance of adopting sun safe measures.
“Touch football is a sport that is played year-round, with competitions and events typically taking place during the day. This can mean players and spectators spend a significant amount of time outdoors – potentially putting them at much higher risk of skin cancer.
“Even on cool and cloudy days, we know skin damage can occur after only 10 minutes in the Queensland sun.
“We have a responsibility to educate our community and encourage the practice of the five sun safe behaviours, especially at an event like the Junior State Cup, held outside over 3 consecutive days.” said Greg Denny, QTF CEO.
Central Queensland has been identified as one of five target areas where sun burn rates are higher and adoption of sun safe behaviours are lower. Director of Central Queensland Public Health Unit, Professor Gulam Khandaker, said Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service was pleased to support this important health promotion activity.
“Reducing the sun exposure experienced by outdoor sports players, coaches and spectators is a high priority and will reduce their future skin cancer risk,” Prof Khandaker said.
“Children are at particular risk. Their skin is thinner and is particularly vulnerable to UV damage and exposure”.
“Data shows us that 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer, so it is important to promote and practice safe sun behaviours from infancy through to old age.
“Outdoor sports are an integral part of a child’s life in Central Queensland, where our community is known to enjoy our beautiful tropical weather. That’s why it’s imperative we share the importance of being sun safe.”
The partnership will not only provide educational opportunities, additional shade structures and sunscreen for participants and spectators at the event, but it will further support the development and relevance of QTF’s Sun Safe Policy.
QTF thanks Queensland Health and the Queensland Government for their support and commitment to increasing the use of sun safe behaviours in our wonderful Touch Footy community.
You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancers by applying the 5 Ss of Sun Safety.
- Slip on protective clothing
- Slop on sunscreen (and reapply!)
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
- Seek shade
- Slide on wraparound sunglasses
To find out more about skin cancer prevention, please visit the Queensland Health website: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/preventing-skin-cancer.
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For more information contact Rachael Harpur, Marketing & Communications Manager via
