Last Updated on: 5th February 2024, 06:29 pm
The Betway SA20 cricket league in South Africa has formed a groundbreaking partnership with Bluewater, a pioneer in water purification and beverage solutions, to combat the reliance on single-use plastic bottles and encourage eco-friendly hydration habits.
Janneke Brasecke, Bluewater Africa’s General Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership is a key first step towards creating a more sustainable and eco-friendly cricket league.”
Bluewater’s contribution through this alliance includes providing advanced water filtration units for the Playoff matches scheduled between 6-8 February at Newlands and Wanderers, and for the Final on 10 February. These units will ensure safe and healthy hydration for players, supporters, and staff without adding to plastic pollution. In a significant move towards sustainability, all players from the qualifying teams will be given a personalised reusable stainless-steel Bluewater bottle with a lifetime warranty, thereby eliminating the use of single-use plastic bottles.
Graeme Smith, the Commissioner of the Betway SA20 League, highlighted the importance of this initiative, saying, “We are excited to take our first step towards reducing the use of single-use plastic at the Betway SA20. This partnership helps us ensure that we are committed to both improving access to clean drinking water amongst our participants, attendees and contractors as well as reduce plastic waste. It also reinforces the company’s commitment to improving access to clean drinking water globally and creating a positive impact on human health and the environment.”
Janneke Brasecke further noted the significant role of professional sports in promoting sustainability, stating, “Professional sport has a unique opportunity to drive both awareness and action on planet-wide sustainability challenges. With the alarming reliance on single-use plastic bottles still so apparent at many events and venues around the world, this is a bold and important step by Betway SA20 to demonstrate there is now a real and present solution for providing sustainable and healthy hydration at cricket events without harming people and planet.”
Brasecke concluded with optimism about the future impact of this partnership: “We are stoked to be launching this collaboration with Betway SA20 and we hope it inspires many other events and venues to follow suit in ending the stranglehold of plastics in sport.”
As the League’s Season 2 reaches a climax, four teams are vying for the title of the 2024 Champions. Durban’s Super Giants and Sunrisers Eastern Cape will face off in Qualifier 1 on 6 February, followed by Paarl Royals and Joburg Super Kings in the Eliminator on 7 February.
