Mount Allison University’s women’s rugby team. The following comes from the Brunswickian:
What’s the best way to raise money for your sport and a good cause? According to Mount Allison University’s women’s rugby team, it’s to get naked. The team released a monthly calendar in mid-December 2004 featuring nude photos of various players posing with a rugby ball. Two dollars from each sale is to be donated to breast cancer research.
The team identifies Cate Storey, who initially presented the idea to the players, as the pioneer of the calendar. After some coaxing, and an explanation of the merits of the project, the team became very enthusiastic. According to Emily Baadsvik, Ms. April, “It’s not an unusual thing, rugby teams getting naked.” She cited the French national team, among others, as an example of this trend.
The women almost unanimously call the calendar “tasteful,” and are overwhelmingly proud of the final product. Lindsay Hilton, Ms. September, referred to the calendar as “portraying women in sport” and “showcasing female bodies.” Caitlin MacLachlan, Ms. July, called it a “very artistic portrayal of women in sports, athleticism and self-confidence in bodies.” Jenn Heckman, who did not pose for the calendar, called it “an initiative to celebrate being a woman.”
