Date: 8^th March 2023, International Women’s Day

Three organisations who share a common goal to promote equal opportunity for women globally, Breast Research Australia, Fairbreak Global and The Sports Bra Project – are teaming up to run a world-first global women’s health project to maximise the breast health and quality of life of all women.

The project will disseminate breast health education and provide opportunity for women all around the world access to sports bras.

A sports bra is a fundamental piece of sports equipment to enable women to participate in sport or physical activity. Unfortunately, limited access to sports bras for many adolescent females and women across the world, limits them from enjoying the physical and mental health benefits of physical activity and sport.

Research conducted by Breast Research Australia has found that most female athletes have very poor health literacy about breast support and bra fit.

“We have conducted research in Australia on women of all ages and from multiple sports. We consistently found that females across all ages and activity levels have very poor knowledge about breast support and sports bras, and very poor ability to determine if their bra is supportive enough or fits correctly”.  Associate Professor Deirdre McGhee BPhty, PhD Member Australian College of Physiotherapists (Sports Physiotherapy) (ACP).

Shaun Martyn, Founder of Fairbreak Global said “Fairbreak is proud to be a trailblazer promoting and supporting women in cricket by giving female cricket players around the world access to breast health education and sports bras – which is currently seriously lacking in women’s cricket everywhere.

When we originally heard of the research and education conducted by Breast Research Australia, we financially supported them to present at the 2022 inaugural Fairbreak Invitational. Dierdre educated the international players from 31 countries that attended to improve their breast health knowledge and bra wearing behaviour.

The feedback from the players all over the world was extremely positive, none of the players had ever had any advice or guidelines on sports bras or bra fit and all felt that it was fundamental information and an essential piece of equipment for women’s cricket,” said Shaun.

 The major research findings were:

• Cricket players require a high level of risk support because of demands of the game in terms of running, jumping and forceful arm movements.
• Elite international female cricket players have very poor knowledge of breast health, sports bras and bra fit, and a very poor ability to independently choose a supportive and correctly fitted sports bra.
• Access to breast health education is extremely limited in women’s sport across the world, irrespective of the level of sport and the socioeconomic status of the country.
• Access to sports bras is a barrier for female participation in sport in some countries and within regions of other countries. Women in these countries require assistance and support to access sports bras, to enable females to participate in sport as well as to perform at full potential.

Australian female cricket player, Georgia Redmayne, attended the Fairbreak invitational last year and said “playing without a well-fitted sports bra is like playing without spikes or gloves. Every female athlete deserves that access no matter their background”.

The research impact of this project is affirmative action – “it is vital that we educate female athletes and active women/adolescents, all over the world, to empower them with the knowledge and ability to independently choose a supportive, well-fitting, comfortable sports bra. At the same time, we need to give all women equal opportunity to access sports bras. In the countries and regions of countries where access to sports bras is limited, we need to support these women and assist them with access to sports bras.” Associate Professor Deirdre McGhee

Sarah Dwyer-Shick, is the Founder of The Sports Bra Project, a charity growing globally providing sports bras to females around the world. 

“The Sports Bra Project is committed to increasing access to sports and normalising the needs and experiences of female athletes. Partnering with Fair Break Global and Breast Research Australia provides the perfect opportunity to both increase access and provide education on the importance a properly fitted sports bra plays in comfort, performance and maintaining breast health during physical activity.”

“We are excited to be working with these two great organisations and with Women’s Sport Australia to ensure that female athletes have the knowledge and equipment they need, a properly fitted sports bra, to pursue their athletic dreams.” Sarah Dwyer-Schick

Together, this team of three, Breast Research Australia, Fairbreak Global and The Sports Bra Project, through this world-first global women’s health project, aims to maximise the long-term breast health of women all over the world for their comfort, enjoyment, participation, and performance in sport.

They are working ‘with women to support women, globally’ and believe it’s an exciting opportunity for women who love sport to support other women so they can play sport too.

Fairbreak, Breast Research Australia and The Sports Bra Project passionately believe all women deserve the right to wear a supportive, correctly fitted, comfortable sports bra to enjoy the incredible physical and mental health benefits of sport and exercise.

HELP US to HELP THEM! If you would like to run a Sports Bra Drive or an organisation in need of sports bras go to this link https://www.thesportsbraproject.org/ for further information.

FairBreak is proud to welcome K-Man Ventures Inc. as a proud sponsor for the Falcons for the second consecutive year.

“We are thrilled to partner with FairBreak and sponsor the K-Man Falcons. The Falcons franchise has done an incredible job in the 2022 edition as runners-up and are ready to play at the FairBreak 2023 Hong Kong edition starting in April. The K-Man team is thrilled to be part of the #FairBreakMovement in growing cricket awareness and inspiring thousands of young women worldwide.”, says Kumar Erramilli, Founding Partner @K-Man.

“We are incredibly pleased to have K-Man as one of our significant team brand partners. They bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm, and we look forward to a very long association with them as the FairBreak World Series of Women’s Cricket grows,” says Shaun Martyn, Founder

The second FairBreak Invitational will take place in Hong Kong in April 2023, from 3rd to April 16th, at the famous Kowloon Cricket Club.

“As the players prepare for the tournament, I’m excited to see these cricketing superstars from all over the world light up the stadium on this Global stage! Be fearless!”, says Kumar Erramilli. 

Tickets are on sale at: https://www.ticketflap.com/fairbreakt2023.

To learn more, visit https://fairbreak.net/fairbreak-invitational-2023/ to read about the tournament, the players, and equality in cricket. 

 Sydney, Australia (6th February 2023) – FairBreak is excited to announce the appointment of Andy Miller as General Manager of Operations and Business Development based in California, USA. 

Miller is the former CEO at Newbery Cricket, where he managed the partnership between the English cricket brand and USA Cricket. Miller was also an English professional cricketer. A right-arm seam bowler, he represented England U19s, Warwickshire and Sussex. 

Miller’s cricketing pedigree and appointment is another significant step in the advancement of FairBreak Global. The United States is widely regarded as an emerging nation in the world of women’s cricket, such that FairBreak, in partnership with USA Cricket, have just announced they will be staging a fully ICC sanctioned, second 2023 FairBreak Invitational T20 Tournament in the USA from September 15-30. 

“With two global tournaments a year, one in Hong Kong and one in the USA, we are delivering the foundations of a FairBreak World Series of Women’s Cricket,” stated Shaun Martyn. 

“The potential growth of the women’s game in America is limitless and will rival all competitions over time. Having our General Manager based in the USA is an investment in that expansion and potential. Andy has a rich knowledge of cricket, particularly women’s and Associate Nations’ cricket. He is the ideal person to take FairBreak forward”. 

Miller remarked, “I am thrilled to take on this role and deeply honoured to be involved in a movement that truly changes lives. FairBreak is a ground-breaking tournament that is driving equality, diversity and offering opportunity to female cricketers from all around the world to come together and perform on a global stage. FairBreak’s social impact is incredible. With more sensational projects ahead, I am very excited to be a part of this innovative organisation’s journey”. 

 USA CRICKET TO HOST ADDITIONAL 

2023 FAIRBREAK GLOBAL INVITATIONAL T20 

 Sydney, Australia & New York, USA (27th January 2023) – FairBreak Global and USA Cricket are pleased to announce that an additional FairBreak T20 Tournament will be played in 2023. Fully sanctioned by the ICC, a second FairBreak Invitational 2023 will be staged in Houston, Texas from September 15th to 30th. 

This is a major development in the critical work that FairBreak undertakes to deliver opportunity for female cricketers from all corners of the globe. By working collaboratively, FairBreak and USA Cricket are supporting gender equity and the advancement of women’s and girl’s cricket globally. 

The inaugural FairBreak Invitational T20 took place in partnership with Cricket Hong Kong in Dubai in May 2022. Following on from the success of FBI22, and with the continued support and backing of Cricket Hong Kong, the next highly anticipated T20 tournament will be held from April 3rd to 16th 2023 at Kowloon Cricket Club in Hong Kong. 

With a follow-up Tournament scheduled for the United States of America in late September, FairBreak Global will now be conducting two tournaments per year. 

Six teams comprising some of the biggest names in women’s first-class cricket and outstanding players from Associate Member nations around the globe, will play each other in both two-week tournaments. All matches will be broadcast internationally. 

To date, five USA players, including Team USA Women’s Captain, Sindhu Sriharsha and the U/19 Women’s Captain, Geetika Kodali have already featured at previous FairBreak events. 

Six USA players have been invited to showcase their skills in the FairBreak Invitational in Hong Kong in April 2023, including Sriharsha, who will continue as Captain of the Warriors Team. 

USA Cricket anticipates that up to twelve of their top players will be invited to participate in the FairBreak Invitational in Houston in September 2023. More information about this will be forthcoming. 

Newly appointed interim CEO of USA Cricket, Vinay Bhimjiani, stated, “We could not be more pleased to collaborate with FairBreak, and to showcase an event here in the USA. I have been working closely with FairBreak founder, Shaun Martyn, and we both agree this will be an outstanding tournament for cricket fans of all ages, genders and nationalities to enjoy!” 

Shaun Martyn added, “In working with the ICC, the Board of Cricket Hong Kong, and the Board of USA Cricket, we are now able to provide a truly global platform to develop the game and change the lives of many invited players. 

“It is exciting for everyone involved. We have known for some time that both Asia and the Americas are key growth markets for women’s cricket. With the right level of corporate support and expanding involvement from broadcasters, we have another avenue to enrich the skills and experience of female cricketers. More significantly, the potential for positive social impact across multiple communities cannot be underestimated. 

“The lives of many players participating in FairBreak Invitationals will be transformed, and opportunities never previously considered possible in their home countries will be created.” 

 Cricket ACT and FairBreak Global announce the Canberra Games in Canberra 

 Sydney, Australia December 15th , 2022 –FairBreak Global, is proud to announce a 4-game series against the ACT Meteors. The series of games will take place at EPC Solar Park, Phillip and Manuka Oval in Manuka. 

The launch of the FairBreak book on the 4th of February in the Bradman Room, Manuka Oval at 10 am, will be followed by the final t20 match of the series. Representatives from 11 consulates will mingle with the players prior to the final match commencing at 12 noon. 

FairBreak will then switch its focus to the final preparations for the 2nd FairBreak Invitational taking place in Hong Kong from April 1st to 16th 2023. 

Cricket ACT is celebrating its Centenary season of cricket, and this is a great opportunity to be developing and showcasing new talent both domestically and internationally. 

“Cricket ACT is honoured to welcome the FairBreak XI team to Canberra, particularly in our Centenary season,” Cricket ACT’s CEO, Olivia Thornton, said. 

“Having players from around the globe come together for a series of games against the ACT Meteors at Manuka Oval, Canberra’s international venue, is a wonderful opportunity for all involved. 

“FairBreak’s commitment to progressing gender equality on the global stage certainly aligns with the work we are doing locally to enhance opportunities for women and girls within our great game. 

“Cricket ACT released its 2022–2025 Strategic Plan ‘Thriving on and off the field’ this year, with a strong commitment to accelerate and advance the sport in the ACT and region. 

“Accelerating momentum in growth for girls and women is a key priority in our strategic plan. 

“Bolstered by the success of the ACT Meteors, we are committed to investing in accelerating female participation across the board—players, coaches, officials, and administrators.” 

“Hosting teams like the FairBreak XI helps us to elevate the importance of women in our sport even further, and we are delighted to have the FairBreak community in the Nation’s Capital,” Ms Thornton said. 

“Our FairBreak team for the matches in Canberra contains players representing 11 countries. 

We would like to thank Cricket ACT for providing us with this opportunity,” FairBreak Founder, Shaun Martyn, said. 

“I’ve found Olivia Thornton and her team at Cricket ACT to be great to work with and completely on board with the FairBreak movement. 

“The week will culminate in the launch of the book on FairBreak and the team’s attendance at the Cricket ACT Centenary Gala dinner. 

“This again provides a platform to highlight the talent that exists in women’s cricket around the globe, and we hope the start of a long association with the Cricket ACT and Manuka Oval,” Mr Martyn said. 

Ends. 

Media contacts 

FairBreak Global, Elle Williams, elle.williams@fairbreak.net 

Cricket ACT, Brett McKay, 0417 927 627 or brett.mckay@cricketact.com.au