Classic Fun

Sporting legends Pat Cash, Darren Gough, John Barnes and Austin Healey show that watching is good but playing is better.

This year is shaping up to be a great one for British sport. MARS is channelling the nation’s spirit and optimism for sport and encouraging the country to go out, get active and play by giving away 200,000 football, cricket, tennis and rugby balls through the MARS Balls Get Britain Playing campaign.

On June 14th in Battersea Park, Austin, Darren, John and Pat will take part in the ‘MARS Bounce Off’ – the ultimate challenge in sporting versatility. Each sporting hero, or MARS ‘Bouncer’, will go head-to-head in a series of football, cricket, tennis and rugby games. The teams competing on the day will be hand-picked by the Bouncers from members of the public via an online competition (entry closes on 1st June) and through talent ‘scouting’ days across the UK. The MARS Bounce Off, free for the public to attend, will not only challenge the skill of sporting legends Cash, Barnes, Gough and Healey but also their ability in selecting and managing the ultimate all-round sports team. Not only is the MARS Trophy up for grabs but also valuable bragging rights.

Austin Healey boasts: “The MARS Bounce Off will be a great chance for my hand-picked rugby team to show off our expertise. Of course we’ll win the rugby – that’s a given – but this will enable us to show our mastery of football, tennis and cricket too.”

John Barnes states: “As a former footballer and now manager I’m the best equipped for this job. Not only can I play all the sports at the highest level I can also help select and motivate my team to win – can Cash, Healey or Gough really do that?”

Darren Gough brags: “I could’ve made it as a footballer and the other sports won’t pose too much trouble for most cricketers – we’re generally great all-rounders. I’m not concerned about those other guys – I’m confident I’ll assemble the best team to do the job and win the MARS Bounce Off.”

Pat Cash claims: “Lightning quick speed, great hand-eye co-ordination and superior ball skill – us tennis players are natural ball players. I know these other guys can dance, but we’re talking about real sports not the rumba here – they don’t stand a chance.”

Visit www.marsballsgetbritainplaying.comto find out about the campaign and how to get involved or visit www.youtube.com/marsballs2009 for more videos of the MARS Bouncers.