Media releases

Empathy for underdogs prompts elite basketballers to champion RSPCA cause

Adelaide’s professional women’s basketball team knows what it means to struggle to survive, having overcome multiple hurdles since its formation 26 years ago. Defying the odds, the team were runners-up in February’s Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) grand final and has set its sight on taking out this season’s grand final in March.

Coming off a win last Friday against Townsville Fire, the team now wants to share its improving fortunes off-court to help animals that have also experienced hard times.

According to Adelaide Lightning General Manager Mandy Hedderwick, the team’s decision to partner with RSPCA South Australia follows a survey of the players about community engagement options.

“We did a whip around to see what ideas the girls had for supporting their community, and helping animals was a common theme,” Ms Hedderwick said.

The team’s agreed to donate a percent of ticket sales from its December 6 match against Perth Lynx towards the care of animals at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter. The Friday night match, being held at Adelaide Lightning’s home stadium, Titanium Security Arena in Findon, is expected to draw a large crowd as the competition nears the March grand finals.

Before the match begins, spectators will have the opportunity to take part in the Lightning local pop-up market, with all products on the day aimed towards pets. (Tickets to the match can be purchased here.)

This afternoon, all 14 team members will converge at RSPCA South Australia’s Lonsdale shelter to meet some of the animals currently in care. Among them will be star recruit Crystal Langhorne, recently arrived from the US and a key player in Seattle Storm’s Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) championship win last year.

Media Opportunity

• Tuesday Oct 22 at 1.45pm
• RSPCA South Australia’s animal shelter – 25 Meyer Rd, Lonsdale

Adelaide Lightning players meet RSCPA SA staff and volunteers, and some animals currently in care.

Information about RSPCA South Australia’s Op shops, how you can volunteer, or foster an animal in need, can be found at:

www.rspcasa.org.au