Cricket and tennis stars led by Chris Lynn and Nick Kyrgios have pledged support for victims of bushfires in Australia, donating cash for every six or ace they hit.
The fire has claimed 18 lives and forced mass evacuations, with the country preparing itself for a weekend heatwave.
Kyrgios has been at the forefront of supporting the victims and has pledged Aus $200 (US$140) for each ace he serves across the Australian summer of tennis, starting with the ATP Cup which began today.
I’m kicking off the support for those affected by the fires. I’ll be donating $200 per ace that I hit across all the events I play this summer. #MoreToCome #StayTuned
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 2, 2020
“I’m kicking off the support for those affected by the fires. I’ll be donating $200 per ace that I hit across all the events I play this summer,” tweeted the 24-year-old.
Kyrgios, who will also play the Kooyong Classic and the Australian Open this month has prompted Australia’s tennis chief Craig Tiley to join the bandwagon.
“We want to help these communities in a meaningful way and will announce a number of fundraising and support initiatives that will be rolled out across the ATP Cup, Australian Open and our other events over the coming weeks,” said Tiley.
Cricketers too are not too far behind in the league. The third Test in Sydney between Australia and New Zealand is being monitored for smoke, with players have worn black armbands on Friday on the opening day of the Test as a mark of respect for those who lost their lives
Two of the biggest hitters in the game, Lynn and Glenn Maxwell, announced they would donate $250 for every six they hit during the ongoing Big Bash League 2019-20.
Hey Guys, for every six I hit in this years Big Bash League I will donate $250 towards the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. It is special to see so many athletes from various sports getting in behind the real heroes who are fighting to save lives and properties around our country 🙏 pic.twitter.com/9MVwNg81GE
— Chris Lynn (@lynny50) January 2, 2020
Hey Guys, for every six I hit in this year’s Big Bash League I will donate $250 towards the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal,” tweeted Lynn.
Love it Lynny!!
I’ll match you on $250 per six I hit in this years BBL. Great cause which is helping so many people around the country who are doing it tough right now. 🙏 https://t.co/hcJea0B6hh— Glenn Maxwell (@Gmaxi_32) January 2, 2020
“It is special to see so many athletes from various sports getting in behind the real heroes who are fighting to save lives and properties around our country.” Maxwell, back in action after a short mental health sabbatical, replied: “Love it Lynny!! I’ll match you on $250 per six I hit in this year’s BBL.”