21 September 2007 By Verena Stocker
If playing an intense basketball game against a top side isn’t nerve-racking enough, on Wednesday, October 17, ACUVUE Sydney Uni Flames star Kristen Veal will be shaving her hair to raise money for the Leukeamia Foundation.
Veal will wait until after the WNBL game against Canberra before she and two others participate in the Shave for Cure fundraiser and have their hair clipped in front of Flames supporters. Other Flames players participating will Alicia Poto, Nat Porter, and Eva Afeaki, who will be helping with the shaving.
As with many people, Veal has seen family and friends affected by leukaemia and decided that she wanted to help out, especially because she does not have a big problem with having no hair. Indeed, despite losing her locks, the history of tough matches between Canberra and the Flames means that Veal is more nervous about the game than her hair.
“The game is against Canberra, so it’s a pretty big game.” Veal says. “It’s still a month away so I’m not really nervous about shaving my head yet, but as it gets closer I’m sure I’ll get more nervous about shaving it.”
This will be the third time Veal has participated in the Shave for a Cure to raise money for the Leukeamia Foundation. The first time was a low-key event in 2000. The second time was when she played for Canberra - in 2004 - and raised $3000.
With the support of the Sydney Uni Flames fans Veal is hoping to increase the money she raised three years ago while also encouraging students to watch an exciting and tough game of basketball.
Tip-off is 7pm at the University Sports and Aquatic Centre.