AUCKLAND – The Futsal Whites threw their support behind the Paddle for Hope in Auckland this weekend. Skipper Marvin Eakins, Kuba Sinkora, Dylan Manickum, James Vaughan and Miro Major were all part of the day’s events including yoga and the stand up paddle board race.

“We made a visit to Auckland’s Starship Hospital not long ago and meeting the kids there touched our hearts,” said Marvin Eakins.

Each year one in nine New Zealand men will lose a mother, sister, daughter or wife to breast cancer.

“We may not be household names in New Zealand sport but we still like to do our bit and get behind a good cause where we can,” he added.

The visits were driven by Sinkora who worked closely with the Cancer Society for both the Starship Hospital visit and Paddle for Hope promotion.

As part of the festivities Auckland Football and Northern Football organised a 3v3 court to promote futsal to the foot traffic who made their way down to Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. Eakins – who doubles as Auckland Football’s Futsal Development Officer – saw it as an opportunity to promote the game to a new audience.

“It was an opportunity for us to join in the promotion of the benefits of exercise and showcase our game as an option during that rehabilitation.”

Eakins and his international teammates were also part of the team stand up paddle board relay race although he is keen to stick to what he knows best.

“Paddle boarding is not as easy as it looks,” quipped Eakins “I think I’ll stick to futsal from now on.”

The Futsal Whites were supported by New Zealand Football partner ASB Bank who also made a donation to the pink ribbon event, which raises money for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation’s post surgery rehabilitation programmes, and promotes the vital role of exercise in health, wellbeing and rehabilitation.

The Paddle for Hope raised $35,000 in 2011, and this year the target is to once again exceed $30,000.

To donate money and help reach the fundraising target, please go to http://www.nzbcf-fundraising.org.nz/pink__international.

All funds donated go directly to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.