Even though the White Ferns will be on the other side of the world on July 2nd, it won’t stop them from recognising a special New Zealand leader by pulling on the official apparel for Red Socks Day.
July 2nd marks Red Socks Day, which is held to celebrate Leadership Week in New Zealand. The day is to encourage the Kiwi public, schools and organisations to celebrate leadership and remember the wearer of the iconic socks, Sir Peter Blake.
On Red Socks Day the White Ferns will be in the United Kingdom playing England in their third Twenty20 match of the tour and they will show their support by wearing red socks.
White Fern Nicola Browne has been a driving force behind the team’s red socks campaign. “Red socks are something we knew about as kids,” she said. “I went to a young leaders’ day and a representative from the Trust was there. She showed us a DVD about Sir Peter Blake and I thought it was a really good cause.”
During the DVD there was one story that really inspired Browne and in turn spurred her to get behind the day. “Did you know he raced the Whitbread challenge five times over 17 years before winning it?” she asked. “That rang home, especially recently with our latest games. While I’ve been in the team we’ve had three silvers but I know through perseverance we can start winning gold and become leaders in our sport.”
Because of Browne’s initiative all of New Zealand Cricket is getting behind the Trust and Red Socks Day. NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan is a recipient of the Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Award and is proud the organisation is backing the White Ferns and the Sir Peter Blake Trust. “It’s an indication of the role leadership plays in sport and sport plays in leadership,” he said. “That leadership has been recognised through the Award recipients in the past. Sir Peter Blake is considered a real icon of sporting leadership.”
Sir Peter Blake Trust spokesperson Vicki Watson said it is great to see the support from such a recognisable international sports team. “On July 2nd we will be cheering on the White Ferns when they play against England while wearing red socks,” she said. “The aim of the day is to recognise leaders and the White Ferns are among the best in their chosen field.”
The White Ferns leave tomorrow (Thursday) for the UK but will be available for comment today.
