Vikings, Eagles, Mix 106.3 get behind Donate08

Julian Salvi gets a pass away during the 2006 Tooheys New John I Dent Cup against Gungahlin

The Tuggeranong Vikings and Gungahlin Eagles will play for the inaugural Roman Warcaba Memorial Trophy on Saturday as part of Donate08 at Viking Park.

The trophy, to be contested as the Tooheys New John I Dent Cup Match of the Round, was named in memory of former Vikings player and coach Roman Warcaba who died from leukaemia in June 2007.

Donate08, an initiative of Canberra radio station Mix 106.3, the Tuggeranong Vikings and Gungahlin Eagles, is designed to raise awareness of the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry, with individuals encouraged to sign up for the registry by undergoing a simple blood test at the Red Cross Donor Mobile at Viking Park.

Tuggeranong Vikings President David Assenheim says the club is proud host Donate08.

“We’re inviting everyone to come out to Viking Park, sign up for the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry and enjoy some top-level club rugby,” he said. “It’s been great working with our partners – Mix 106.3 and the Gungahlin Eagles – on this project and we’re all looking forward to getting behind such a worthy cause and helping out the greater Canberra community.

“Roman was a much-loved member of the Vikings who made a tremendous contribution to the club throughout his time here. We’re very pleased that we can honour him by playing for the Roman Warcaba Memorial Trophy against Gungahlin, as well as using the day to sign up a significant number of new bone marrow donors.”

Gungahlin Eagles President Lee O’Sullivan says he’s been delighted with the enthusiasm surrounding Donate08.

“Gungahlin and Tuggeranong have contested three of the last five John I Dent Cup grand finals and have remained great rivals during that time, and I think it’s an excellent initiative to use the interest surrounding Saturday’s match to promote such a worthwhile cause,” he said.

“It’s extremely important that the rugby fraternity does what we can to get behind these great community events and it’s been pleasing to see the number of players and supporters from both clubs already keen to get involved in Donate08 and sign up for the Bone Marrow Donor Registry.”

A raffle will be conducted at the ground with prizes including a Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, with all proceeds donated to the Leukaemia Foundation.

Saturday’s match will kick off at 3.05pm.