Perth, Jan 12: Through its community action program, Cricket Cares, Cricket Australia has joined UNICEF and the Global Poverty Project (GPP) in The End of Polio campaign, using Day 1 of the third Vodafone Test in Perth to support the cause.
Day 1 of the Vodafone Test, January 13, marks 12 months since India’s last case of polio – the first time in the nation’s history that this has been achieved, a milestone many thought impossible.
Players will honour the landmark and the continuing campaign to eradicate polio with ribbons on their playing shirts and the Perth crowd has the opportunity to show its support throughout Day 1 via UNICEF and GPP staff who will roam the WACA.
Indian Test cricketing legend and polio survivor Bhagwath “Chandra” Chandrasekhar and face of the campaign has travelled to Perth to mark his nation’s achievement and support the ongoing cause.
"It is my privilege to be here in Australia to celebrate India's milestone achievement of 12 months without a single case of polio,” B. S. Chandrasekhar said.
“I know first-hand the impact of polio and I am encouraged to see, in my lifetime, India make significant inroads in the fight to end this paralysing disease."
In 2009, India reported more polio cases than anywhere else in the world. Thanks to huge efforts by millions of people across India - volunteers, health workers, community leaders, politicians – significant inroads have been made in the fight against this paralysing disease.
For more information and to support the campaign, visit www.theendofpolo.com.
