The Skytrans Cairns Taipans are ditching orange for pink this Sunday, and want the Orange Army to do the same.

The team is taking part in the Cancer Council Queensland’s Pink Ribbon campaign to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, education programs and support services for patients and their loved ones.  

Players and mascot, Joe Blake, will don special edition pink uniforms for their matchup with the Sydney Kings.

Each player’s singlet will be auctioned immediately after the final buzzer, with all proceeds going to the Cancer Council Queensland.

Volunteers will also be present to sell Pink Ribbon merchandise and collect donations all night.

Cairns Taipans general manager, Mark Beecroft, said the annual Pink Game was now an important part of the team’s community engagement efforts.

“This is a cause that is important to so many locals across Far North Queensland, so we’re pleased to assist in any way we can.”

“We look forward to looking up into the Cairns Convention Centre stands to see 5,000 people in pink rather than orange,” he said.

“I should also clarify that successful bidders on the players’ pink singlets may take a fresh sweaty one, or we’ll happily wash it for them first.”

Lynsie James, Cancer Council Queensland’s regional fundraising co-ordinator, said a local example of Cancer Council’s local support services is Marylyn Mayo Lodge on Mulgrave Road in Cairns.

“It really is a home away from home for regional and rural cancer patients and their carers when they need to travel for cancer treatment,” she said.

“In Cairns, we also have a Cancer support co-ordinator who is here to help cancer patients and their friends and family with information about local support services, and cancer information in general, and a psychologist to provide free counselling for people coping with cancer.”

“We thank the Skytrans Cairns Taipans and their fans for supporting our breast cancer research, education and support programs.”